Mr. & Mrs. Phelps and family wish
to thank all the Villagers for their overwhelming support and kindness
which they have received since the great personal loss of their son. We
send our sincere condolences to the family and hope that our community
strength will help them through this very difficult period.

David had lived in the village a
relatively short time, but quickly put down roots and established
friendships . The tremendous number of friends who attended David’s
funeral spoke volumes.

The School Christmas Fayre raised
a princely sum of £2,000. The PTA is delighted with this amount and thank
all involved for giving their time and help with the event. School
Hols 20th Dec - 7th Jan 2014.

TONIGHT IS BINGO NIGHT
AT THE PLOUGH !

Caroline and Johnny Capper will be
your hosts for the evening as part of the run-up to Christmas.

Whilst all the ladies of the W.I
enjoy their Christmas Festivities, why don’t their husbands join in this
sociable evening which includes a supper of Fish and Chips or Chicken and
Chips - all for £6 and on your doorstep.

Tonight is the W.I Christmas
Supper in The Hall. Any raucous behaviour will be put down to everyone
having a thoroughly good time.

Saturday 14th December
Amersham Band have their annual Christmas Concert in Amersham Free Church
where no less than 3 bands will be performing. Commencing at 7.30pm
tickets £7.30pm (children £5) on the door. Included in the price will be
mulled wine and mince pies.

A Very Big Thank You from the Chairman of the Village
Shop and Staff for all the support received for the Shop Bazaar last
Saturday morning. It was very gratifying to see the Village hall bustling
with so many people

A new beer from Prestwood Brewery
proved so popular that it sold out on Saturday morning. Both the shop and
The Plough are now stocking this new product – which says a lot for its
quality and price.

Dec 7th 8pm at The Crown in Lt.
Missenden local professional actor John Griffiths invites you on a “Dylan
and the Demon Drink” pub crawl . Tkts £10 to inc glass of wine/beer -
Annie on 01494-786220.

Thursday 12th Dec 5pm -
8pm in The Plough Johnny and Caroline Capper are donning their “Bingo
Hats”for a jolly evening of Bingo. Tkts £6 to ince Fish and Chips or
Chicken and Chips. Go along for a fun evening.

Let Steve & staff take the strain
out of Christmas Lunch and book your place at The Plough. £40 per person
(£30 under12). Get in early as Steve’s culinary expertise is travelling
far and wide so don’t miss out.

I will be printing the opening
times for The Plough over Christmas and New Year nearer the date.

The School urgently need a
temporary cleaner. This short notice is due to illness and applications
should be in by 6th December with interviews on Monday 9th
December and commence work on Tuesday 10th December. Tel:
01494-783835.

We wish Robin – my co-co-ordinator
of the Newsletter a Very Happy Birthday this week and welcome to the free
TV licence to which he is now entitled.

Did anyone read page 6 of The
Times on Tuesday Dec. 3rd. Headlines read: “Cameron sign £5
billion deals, as China eyes HS2 Investment. “How much louder do have to
shout for him to hear us? Or don’t we count at all ?

It has been noted again
that another vehicle is using the Common as its’ own personal garage
forecourt. This is not acceptable and the council have been
notified.

The Driver of this weeks shopping
bus to Chesham is : Charlie Carrington.

ROLL – UP, ROLL – UP FOR THE
VILLAGE SHOP BAZAAR THIS SATURDAY MORNING 09.30 am – 12noon.
This will be your chance to meet PUDSEY BEAR and have your photograph
taken.

Lots of stalls to ooh and aaah
over . Jewellery: Christmas Decorations. Christmas Cards: Wrapping Paper:
Plants: Local Honey: Stalls for Children and Face-Painting. Calenders;
to name a few.

Tea, Coffee and Cakes and music to
watch the world go by with Bob Thompson.

THE RAFFLE TICKETS are now on
Sale in the SHOP. The top prize is 1 WEEK USE OF A DELIGHTFUL COTTAGE IN
GLORIOUS APPLEDORE, NORTH DEVON. Don’t miss out on the chance to get away
from it all . Lots of other prizes too !

The Village Society have a meeting
on this evening –28th November for a further discussion on the
effects of the HS2 Compensation Road Show. Commencing at 8pm.

A correction to the venue for the
Village School Christmas Fayre. This will be held in the School from 2 –
4pm on Saturday 7th December and not the Village Hall as
previously stated. Thank you Charlie Carrington for bringing this to my
attention.

Sunday 1st December the
church service will be at St. Andrews in the Village at 10.30am. There
will be no service at 10.30am in Lt. Missenden.

At 6pm at 1st December
in Lt. Missenden Church there is the Advent Carol Service by candlelight.

Saturday 7th December
at The Crown . Lt. Missenden at 8.00pm for 8.30pm:-

Our local Professional Actor John
Griffiths will be taking you on a Pub Crawl of Dylan Thomas’ favourite
drinking holes at The Crown , Lt. Missenden when he separates the man from
the myth in portraying “Dylan Thomas” in “Dylan and the Demon Drink”.
Tickets £10 to include a glass of wine or pint available from Annie on
01494-786220

Saturday 7th December
is also the concert of Gt. Missenden Choral Society in Gt.Missenden
Parish Church . Tickets £12.50. £6 Students and children available from
Wynward-Wright and Ellis .Gt.Missenden 01494-864225

The Plough has won the prestigious
award for the Perfect Pint of Guinness throughout South Bucks. The plaque
is proudly displayed in the Bar. Congratulations to Steve and his staff.

Ye Olde Thyme Musical Hall is
this Friday and Saturday evening November 22nd and 23rd.

It has been cold, wet, even snow…
go and have a jolly good sing and cheer yourself up. If you haven’t
already booked your tickets for this annual extravaganza do so without
delay. Tickets are £15 to include supper and licensed bar available from
Barbara Cann - 01494-783254. All proceeds go towards supporting the Youth
Organisations in the Village.

The Village Hall Society have an
HS2 Meeting this Sunday 24th November at 4pm and Thursday 28th
November at 8pm in the Hall . As the previous Consultation was deemed so
unfair as to be illegal , the Government are re-running the Consultation
so any previous responses do not count anymore. A more comprehensive
missive has been put through every residents letter box so do please read
it. More details can be found on the website:-
www.hhv.org.uk

The
Big Event this month is the Village Shop Bazaar and the chance to meet
Pudsey Bear on Saturday 30th November in the Hall. Commencing
at 09-30am to 12noon

Leaflets have been distributed
throughout the Village with information on the stalls .

Have your photo taken with Pudsey
and help raise more money for our donation to Children in Need.

A chance to sample and purchase an
exclusive Scottish Whisky will be available . A fitting present for
someone special.

The Village School PTA are holding
their Christmas Fayre on 7th December from 2pm-4pm in the
School. The Shop have worked together with the PTA to avoid
duplication of various items .

Looking ahead and slightly outside
our Village parameter……………

Great Missenden Choral Society are
holding their Christmas Concert on Saturday December 7th in
Great Missenden Parish Church. The programme includes Zadock the Priest.
Bach’s Magnificat and Mozarts Coronation Mass.

Tickets for this event are
£12.50.(adults) £6 students and children are available from Wynyard-Wright
and Ellis , Gt. Missenden 01494-864225.

Please do e-mail me with any
events you wish to publicize within the Village.

This Thursday evening is the W.I
AGM. Election of new officers for the coming year and possibly a fun quiz
to sharpen the “little grey cells”.

The Parish Quiz takes place this
Saturday 16th November in the Village Hall. Tickets £10
including supper and licensed bar are available from the Parish Office on
01494-862008. We commence at 7.30pm for 8pm start. Tables of 8-10 hopeful
Eggheads.

Thursday 21st November
, Barbara Aris is organising a W.I walk along the River Thames. Contact
Barbara for further information on 01296-682661.

The Olde Tyme Music Hall takes
place on Friday and Saturday 22nd and 23rd November
in The Hall. Tickets £15 including supper and licensed bar available from
Barbara Cann on 01494-783254. All proceeds from this annual event go to
support the Youth Organisations in the Village.

Yes, folks it has crept up on us
again ……CHRISTMAS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER………THE VILLAGE SHOP BAZAAR is
on Saturday morning 30th November 9.30am - 12.00noon with the SCHOOL XMAS
FAYRE the following week on Sat December 7th 2.00pm - 4.00pm.

The School and Shop have worked closely together for these ever popular
annual events to avoid duplication of dates and attractions - so we can
support both for the good of our village.

Preparations
are well under way for the Shop Bazaar on Saturday 30th
November 09.30- 12noon in the Village Hall - by moving mountains we have succeeded in getting Pudsey Bear to
come along for the morning --- children of all ages can have their photo
taken with Pudsey and have it made into a Christmas Card. This picture is
from Pudsey's last visit. A donation will be made to Children in Need.

There will be Face Painting ,
Music and a Monster Raffle of a Holiday Cottage in Devon for a week plus
other prizes. Lots of seasonal goodies will be on sale including supplies
of Hyde Heath Christmas Puddings which you can only buy through the
shop.

Tea, Coffee and cakes will be
served to replenish your aching feet ready to start again.

New to the Bazaar this year will
be a chance to acquire a very special exclusive single malt Scotch Whisky.
You will be able
and indeed encouraged to sample the distinctive
mellifluous flavour of this golden amber liquid to titillate your
taste-buds prior to purchase !

The driver of this week's Shopping
Bus to Chesham is :- Derek Faversham

I must apologise for giving an
incorrect date for the Chapel Lunches last week. I got ahead of myself .

DO NOT FORGET THAT THIS SUNDAY IS
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY.

The Morning Church Service will
commence at 10.45am for the 11.00 am Act of Remembrance with Bugler
followed by the Morning Prayer.

Poppies and Wrist Bands are on
sale in The Shop. Give some time and thought to the purpose of this
important day and all the good works that the British Legion do to help
our injured servicemen , women and their families.

The Chapel lunches take place next
Monday 11th November. Thank you to Ron Brown for his tactful
phone call to advise me of my error

The W.I have their monthly meeting
on 14th November ,.it is their AGM and selection of committee
members for the coming year.

The Parish Quiz will be held in
the Village Hall on Saturday 16th November. Tickets are £10
which includes a supper and a licensed bar. Phone 01494-862008. The
evening commences at 7.30pm and tables of 8 /10 participants.

Thursday November 21st.
Barbara Aris is organising a W.I walk along the River Thames. Contact
Barbara for further information on 01296-682661. There will be a £1
donation toward the W.I charity for this year.

The Old Tyme Music Hall takes
place on Friday and Saturday 22nd and 23rd November.
Tickets are £15 available from Barbara Cann 01494-783254. This includes a
supper and licensed bar. All proceeds from this event support the Youth
Organisations in the Village.

It has been brought to my
attention of a Scam being operated around the ATM machines in the area.
One local resident was withdrawing cash when he became aware of 2 men
standing either side of him. One pointed out a £5 note on the floor and
suggested he had dropped it. This not being the case our resident gave
quick retort , took his money and the 2 men disappeared pronto. BE ON
YOUR GUARD.

I wish to draw your attention to
the cars parked regularly half on the pavement near the Shop. This week I
counted 5 in a row. Mothers with prams and pushchairs, Senior Citizens in
wheelchairs and mobility scooters use the pavements. They have to go on to
the road to get round these vehicles. Pavements are for Pedestrians . Will
the perpetrators who do this regularly please be considerate enough to
park on the road.

Cars are taxed to be on the road
not on the pavement.

The driver of this weeks Shopping
Bus to Chesham is: Charlie Carrington

The Parish Quiz takes place in the Village Hall on
November 16th . Tickets are £10 each to include supper and the
usual licensed bar. Phone 01494-862008. Time 7.30pm, tables of 8/10 .Brush
up on your general knowledge and enjoy a sociable evening on your
doorstep.

Our annual departure into thymes gone by with our own
home grown “Old Thyme Music Hall” is on Friday 22nd and
Saturday 23rd November in the Hall. Tickets are £15 which
includes a supper and licensed bar. Tickets available from Barbara Cann .
This event raises a lot of money the proceeds of which go towards the
youth organisations of the Village. Get in quick with your ticket
requirements as this event is always sold out very quickly.

HHVS has a meeting in the Hall on 24th and
28th November. The subject for discussion will be the
compensation consultation and the ongoing impact of the dreaded HS2.

Wednesday 27th November the Diners Group
meet in The Minstrels Gallery’s for a gastronomic delight of Spanish Food
. This is open to anyone who wishes to join us.

Please contact me (Pauline Richards) on the e-mail
address at the bottom of this newsletter. Menu’s will be sent out within
the next few days.

A timely reminder for your support
for the Village Hall by joining the 200+ club.

Forms have been circulated and
need to be returned to Ruth and David Coulton no later than 28th
October.

This can be done either by
returning your forms directly to 33, Westfield or via the Village Shop.
The 200+ club aids fund raising for the Hall and you do have a chance of
winning a prize in the monthly draw.

The School has a new Parent
Governor by the name of Mrs. Fullard. We wish her a happy and rewarding
involvement with the Village School.

Harvest Festival Assembly takes
place on Friday 25th October at 09.30am in the Village Hall.

A former pupil, Abi Binding has
designed a new Website for the School and will be showing them the
finished results at 2.30pm the same day.

After this the school breaks for
half-term.

The Plough has a take-away menu
available. Copies can be picked up in the Pub. Steve also does a take-away
Roast Lunch on a Sunday. Having availed myself of this I can thoroughly
recommend it.

Always ahead of the game, The Shop
continues it’s Halloween Theme .

Whilst we enjoy “getting into the
spirit” of the occasion, please be respectful to the senior members of our
Village who will not want to be disturbed after dark.

I am being notified of events due
to take place in November.

2 weeks tonight sees the launch of
a new Fitness Class in The Hall. 7.45pm – 8.45pm.

Call Melissa or Chris on
01494-778518.

November 16th The
Parish Quiz takes place in The Hall. Tickets £10 to include supper.
Tickets available on 01494-862008 or sign the list in the church porch.

That same evening there will be a
Jazz Concert in Lt. Missenden Village Hall given by Bob Thompson’s Jazz
Group. Awaiting further details on this event.

The W.I Monthly walk is on Thursday24th
October . Meet on Ley Hill Common in front of the 2 pubs for a 11am start.

It is the time of year when the Village Hall
Management Committee ask the Villagers to support the Hall by joining the
200+ Club. David and Ruth are at present circulating the forms for your
perusal . This supports the Hall’s fund raising and you also have a
chance of winning a prize in the monthly draw.

David and Ruth are always busy with organising and
supporting Village activities so it would really help if you could assist
them by completing and returning your forms directly to 33, Westfield or
via the Shop by 28th October.

New Circuits and ABS Class We have included this new
venture by Melissa Laing in a previous Newsletter. This is now only 3
weeks away . The evening will be led by Chris Smith, a fully qualified
personal trainer who lives in the village and has worked with MCL Fitness
for the past 3 years. £42 for a seven week course. Call Melissa or Chris
on 01494-778518

Another early date for your calender is the 24th
and 28th November, when the HHVS will be holding 2 meetings in
the Hall on HH and the impact of HS2 ( it won’t go away) There will be
guest speakers , so please make the effort to attend at least one of these
evenings.

To learn more about the Hyde Heath Village Society or
wish to join, visit the website
www.hhvs.org.uk

This society along with the Village Hall Committee
work hard at keeping the village the way we wish it to remain. A few
people dedicate themselves to the preservation of our local area, so
please support them . It is your future as well.

We all tend to groan when Christmas is mentioned in
the middle of October. In a few short weeks the Village Shop will be
hosting their Christmas Fayre. The date is Saturday November 30th.
The time is scheduled for 09.30am – 12 noon with a guest appearance by
Pudsey Bear.

The
Theatre Company’s most recent production hit the boards last week and was
a success, both from the presentation and financial viewpoints. It was
generally seen as very funny and raised some vital funds for the planned
January 2014 production of “Allo, Allo”

This
evening at 8.00 pm. in the Village Hall is the October meeting of the WI.
The guest speaker will be Amanda Rayner and her topic will be “The
Language of Fans” (I am assuming that the content of this talk will be
far too delicate to include the language of football fans…)

Next
Tuesday (15th.) sees the Beechwood Group Meeting at St.Anne’s
Hall, Aylesbury Road, Wendover 7.45 for 8.00pm. Cost: £3.50 Speaker:
Chris.Behan, author of “ Exploring Midsomer” Books will be available to
buy at the meeting.

The
monthly walk will be on Thursday, 24th. Meet on Ley Hill Common
in front of the pubs. at 11.00 am.

Then,
on Thursday 14th November, is the WI’s own AGM.

Next
Saturday ( 12 th.) will see the Village Hall Quiz Night at 7,30 for 8.00
pm. prompt start. There will be a licensed bar and an excellent supper,
as always. Tickets £10.00 from David or Ruth Coulton on 01494 775967.

On
that same evening the Amersham Band will be in concert at the Elgiva Hall,
Chesham. Their guests will be Georgina Jackson (trumpeter and jazz
singer), the Amersham Acapella Choir and the children of Our Lady’s
Primary School, Chesham Bois.

Next
Tuesday (15th.) from 12.00 to 8.00 pm. the HS2 Compensation
Roadshow will be in residence at Missenden Abbey. The Hyde Heath Village
Society reminds us that there are 410 homes in our community and that they
will all be affected by HS2, and this is the ideal moment to state our
case. Please find time to attend this meeting.

We
like to give you as much notice as possible, so here’s a very early prompt
concerning the Christmas Fayre in the Village Shop on Saturday,30th.
November from 9.30 am. to 12.00 pm. and starring Pudsey Bear.

On
Sunday, 15th.September Tamsin Neale competed in the World
Triathlon Championships in London. She was in the 40-45 age group and
completed the course in 2hrs.12mins.and 24 secs., coming 28th.
out of 120 competitors. Very well done, Tamsin. Next June she will be in
the European Championships in Kitzbuhel, Austria, with the support of Mum
and Dad, Nell and Tim.

On
Wednesdays 7.45 to 8.45 pm. from 6th. November MCL. Fitness
will be launching a new exercise class in the Village Hall. Cost: £42 for
the seven-week course. For further details contact Melissa or Chris. On
01494 778518.

The
driver of this week’s shopping bus to Chesham is Charlie Carrington.

Everyone must have seen the very
explicit signs around the Village advertising the Theatre Company’s
production this week of tales from “Little Grimley”. I must admit to
doing a “double take” when I passed the one in Sally and Charlie
Carrington’s front garden. The thought went through my mind that “50
Shades of Grey “ had arrived in Hyde Heath. “Strictly Sex Factor on Ice”
could be the next best thing.

Tickets are available from the Village Shop at £10 (£9 concession) or
Box Office 01494-784760

Enough frivolity:

The Quiz Night is on Saturday 12th
October. If you haven’t booked your tickets yet, don’t delay. Call David
or Ruth on 01494-775967. or e-mail
davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk. Tickets are £10 which include an excellent
supper.

On the same evening of 12th
October Amersham Band have their “Musik Fest” at The Elgiva theatre in
Chesham with guest Trumpet virtuoso and local choir.

On Tuesday October 15th
the W.I are having an area meeting in Wendover. The Speaker’s subject is
“Midsomer Murders”. As the series has been filmed in our Village, Little
Missenden and surrounding areas, this should be an evening of interest to
our own W.I . It could be an evening of “spot the location”.

The early mornings may be getting
chillier, but if you are keen to keep fit , join Melissa Laing’s “Drop In”
Outdoor Workout on the common every Saturday morning from 7.30am – 8.30am
. This is suitable for all men and women at all levels of fitness. Can you
think of a more invigorating way to start the weekend. At just £5.00 per
session it has to be worth “the feel good factor”

The Shop continues to have
plentiful supplies of locally home grown produce. It is supposed to be a
bumper year for fruit and vegetables. You will not get them anywhere else
so fresh or cheap, so make the most of the seasonal fayre whilst it is
available.

Hyde Heath Lunch Club meets at The
Chapel on Monday 7th October . 12 for 12.30pm. Suggested
donation is £2.50p.

Don’t forget that The Plough has
Curry Nights on a Wednesday evening and Fish and Chip nights on a Thursday
evening. Both are recommended.

Never let it be said we live in a
"Sleepy Hollow" - two of our residents were returning from an enjoyable
evening out with friends at a local restaurant late on Saturday evening.
Travelling along Copperkins Lane away from the residential area they
encountered a large parked coach with lights ablaze.

As they drew nearer they were
"entertained" by the sight of 12 completely naked men standing across the
road !

Different ? - certainly
Drunk - probably Amusing - most definitely !

This Saturday Sept 28th at 7.30pm
in Lt Missenden Village Hall is the Parish Harvest Supper - including a
licensed bar. Tickets £10 from the Parish Office - 01494 862008.

Hyde Heath Theatre Company's
production of the on-going saga in Little Grimley takes place on Thurs -
Sat Oct 3rd - 5th at 7.45pm with a matinee on Saturday 5th.

Tickets £10 01494 784760 & Village Shop.

The ever popular annual Village
Hall Quiz night is on Saturday Oct 10th at 7.30 for 8.00pm - tickets £10
inc excellent supper from Ruth & David Coulton on 01494 775867 - tickets
are selling fast so don't delay !

Also on Oct 10th Amersham Band are
hosting a Musik-Fest at the Elgiva Hall in Chesham.

Guest soloists include Georgina Jackson, trumpet virtuoso and Jazz
Singer, Amersham Ladies A-Cappella Choir and Our Ladies Childrens from
Chesham Bois. This is always a popular event so all you music lovers book
your tickets and enjoy this evening of diverse entertainment.

Following a well attended Village
Hall AGM last week several suggestions have been "thrown in the pot" for
possible further use of the hall during the daytime - evenings are mostly
taken up with various group activities. Suggestions included afternoon
teas for "seniors" & social get togethers, whist or bridge. Possibly
speakers from time to time - any further ideas welcomed.

Afternoons are beginning to draw
in and winter months can be viewed with trepidation - would anyone like to
come forward and form a small team of people to take these ideas forward
? 2hrs once a fortnight could make a difference !

Despite forecasts to the contrary
autumn appears to have arrived. Cricket season has ended,
disappointingly, as last Sunday’s final game, at home to Ivinghoe and
Pitstone, was a washout.

This evening is the occasion of
the Village Hall AGM. At 8.15 pm., and we encourage as many people as
possible to attend. There are the key positions of treasurer and secretary
to be filled. Without them the Hall Committee cannot function - please
give the matter some serious thought. If you are unable to attend, but
wish to have your views known please contact David Coulton;
davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk

I have received an e-mail from
Pepper Trustees who are delighted to announce that this year’s show,
“Pepper 25 – Best of British” made the fantastic sum of £48,303 and they
profoundly thank every member of the cast, crew, bar and catering staff
and volunteers for helping them to achieve this magnificent total. This
sets the bar alarmingly high for future production standards.

Next Tuesday (24th.) at
7.40 pm. in the Village Hall is the start of a new class of line dancing
for beginners. Contact Derek Faversham on 01494 864677. For just £4 meet
new friends and have a jolly good evening.

On Wed.25th the Diners
Group will be meeting to enjoy an Italian menu. These sessions are proving
very popular and are open to anyone wishing to join. For further
information, and menu choices, please contact
paulinerichards42@yahoo.co.uk Selections requested by Sunday
lunchtime 22nd.Sept.

On Saturday 28th.Sept.
at 7.30 pm. in Little Missenden Village Hall will be the Harvest Supper,
including a licensed bar. Tickets are £10 and available from the Parish
Office on 01494 862008

The Hyde Heath Theatre Company’s
next production, three one-act plays, will be performed in the Village
Hall on Thurs., Fri. and Sat., October 3rd.,4th. and
5th. at 7.45 pm. with a Saturday matinee at 2.30 pm. The plays
are part of the ongoing saga of Little Grimley. Tickets are £10 (£9
concession) and are available from the Village Shop and the box office
(01494 784760)

The Village Hall Quiz Night takes
place on Saturday, Oct.12th.at 7.30 for 8.00 pm. prompt start.
This very popular event is usually a sell-out, so do book your tickets
early. They must be paid for by 30th.Sept. Price £10 to include
an excellent supper. Telephone David and Ruth Coulton (01494 775967)
davidcoulton@yahoo.com

On that same evening the Amersham
Band will be in concert at the Elgiva Hall…more details next week.

Next month sees the start of the
new season’s quiz league. The Plough team is seeking to recruit a
replacement for the much-missed Alison Arnold. Quiz buffs should give me a
call on 01494 774582 e-mail me at:
squareleg@waitrose.co.uk

Winter Tuesday evenings can be a
bit busy at the Plough what with the quiz league and all the darts leagues
which operate. I am expecting a report from our darts correspondent, which
I shall publish as soon as possible.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham is Derek Faversham

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE VILLAGE SHOP WILL BE
CLOSING AT 12noon ON SATURDAY 14th SEPTEMBER FOR
STOCK TAKING.

Tonight , 12th September is W.I. The
arranged Speaker has had to withdraw so there is to be a Quiz and a more
relaxed social evening. The evenings are drawing in and this would be a
good opportunity for new members to come along and join this very friendly
group and enjoy some very interesting talks once a month.

Thursday 12th / 13th and 14th
of September in Little Missenden Church as part of the Heritage Open Days
, there will be hourly talks/tours of the Church. Brass Rubbing Childrens
Quiz , Video presentation of celebrity connection with Little Missenden. .
Cream Teas and refreshments served all day. Open from 10am to 4pm. 12pm –
5pm Sunday 15th.

On Sunday 15th September, Tamsin Neale
will be competing in the World Triathlon Champioships in London for the
40-45yrs age group. This will be over the Olympic distance the course used
in the 2012 Olympics. We wish her every success.

Thursday 19th September at 8.15pm is the
Village Hall AGM. This is an important meeting in the Village Hall
calendar and we would encourage as many people as possible to attend.
There are vacancies to be filled: Treasurer and Secretary – both key
positions to enable to Hall Committee to function. We keep pressing this
subject home but the Village Hall will not function without a full
committee. We desperately need people to fill these positions . Please
give it some serious thought. If you are unable to attend but wish to
have your views put forward please contact David Coulton : davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk

Tuesday 24th September at 7.40pm Line
Dancing for Beginners in the Village Hall.

Just turn up or contact Derek Faversham on 01494 –
864677. For £4 get fit, meet new friends and have a jolly good evening.

Wednesday 25th September the Diners Group
will be meeting to enjoy an “Italian Menu” These evenings are proving to
be very popular and open to anyone wishing to join us. For further
information and menu choices please contact:
paulinerichards42@yahoo.co.uk. Selections requested by Sunday
lunchtime 22nd Sept.

Saturday 28th September at 7..30pm in Lt,
Missenden will be the Church Harvest Supper. Tickets £10 available from
the Parish Office on 01494-862008. There will also be a licensed bar.

The Hyde Heath Theatre Co. are presenting “Little
Grimley Presents” on 3rd/4th/5th October
at 7.45pm. Matinee on Saturday 5th. Tickets from the Village
Shop £10 (£9 concession) These 3 one act plays are extremely humourous.
Do make the effort to go along and support our very versatile local
talent.

A date for your diary next month.

The Village Hall Quiz Night takes place on Saturday
October 12th . 7.30pm for 8pm prompt start. This very popular
event is usually a sell-out so do book your tickets early. All tickets
must be booked and paid for by 30th September. Tickets £10 to
include an excellent supper . Tables up to 8 people. Tel: David and Ruth
Coulton 01494-775967 email:
davidcoulton@yahoo.co.uk

Next
month is the start of the new seasons Quiz League. They are looking for
a new member to join their team. The Matches are on a Tuesday evening at
8.30pm from October to April in local public houses. Anyone interested in
joining the Plough team should contact 01494-774582.

A big
leap forward now to Saturday May 10th 2014 HYDE HEATH VILLAGE
FETE

There
are concerns about the long term future of the Fete if people do not come
forward to take over the organisation. Clearly is would be very sad to
lose this great traditional event as it is recognised as one of the best
in the area and so popular.

This
will also be the 90th anniversary of the Village Hall. It would
be opportune to celebrate this even if it transpires that we are unable to
continue the fete thereafter.

An
early mention for Amersham Band who are performing at The Elgiva on
Saturday 12th October with guest choirs. Always a good evening
of live music of a high standard.

Welcome to September, a favourite month…mists and
mellow fruitfulness, but sadness that another season is about to end. This
will be my first stint back at the computer after an enjoyable rest down
at Rustington-on-Sea, which is in Sussex and receives mention in verse 2
of that Flanders and Swann song of the Gnu.

Don’t you feel heartened by the latest news of HS 2
? Alistair Darling has changed his mind and doesn’t now think that the
project is viable, and the Institute of Directors agrees with him…

Last Sunday’s cricket match against Roxbourne ended
in a defeat for Hyde Heath by two wickets. As you might expect, such a
narrow margin indicated a close and enjoyable game in all its aspects.
Both sides were complimentary about its conduct and result, particularly
in the bar afterwards.

This Sunday’s match, the penultimate of the season,
is at home to Abbots Langley with a one o’clock start.

Next Friday evening (6th.September) at
7.00 for 7.30pm at Little Missenden Parish Church a talk will be given by
Roland McLain-Smith, together with an exhibition of artefacts from a local
archaeological dig. The talk is entitled “The Roman Connection”. Roland is
a local historian and co-author of “Once Upon a Heath”, the early history
of Holmer Green. Tickets for the evening will be £10, to include a
ploughman’s supper and are available from the parish office (01494
862008).

It should be a fascinating evening…

On Sunday (8th.) will be the Harvest
Service at the Chapel (10.45 am.). The speaker will be Keith Charlton.

On Monday 9th September there will be the
monthly lunch meeting at the Chapel at 12.00 for 12.30. For further
details contact Philip Woodley on 01296 334920.

Next Thursday at 8.00 pm. In the Village Hall will be
the September meeting of the WI. The talk will be entitled “Girls in
India”.

The next production of the Hyde Heath Theatre Company
will be three one-act plays to be performed in the Village Hall on 3rd., 4th.
and 5th. October at 7.45pm. with a matinee on the
Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets (£10) are available from the box office
(784760) and the Village Shop.

A Line Dancing beginners’ class is due to start on
Tuesday, 24th.September at 7.40pm. in the village Hall
Cost-£4per session, For further information contact Derek Faversham on
01494 864677.

The next overseas menu dining-in night will be
Italian at the Plough on Wed., 25th.Sept.

The Harvest Supper will be held on Saturday evening
28th.Sept. at Little Missenden Village Hall. Tickets available
from the Parish office (862008)

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham
will be Steve Epps.

A very successful Bank Holiday
Weekend Beer Festival. Steve, Jo and their Bar staff should be very
pleased with the results of their efforts.

Steve raised around £500 for the
charity “Help the Heroes” by shedding his locks on Sunday evening. A big
round of applause here.

before ....

....during ...

.... after ....

Now all the excitement is over. A
reminder that there is a “Curry Night” every Wednesday evening £10 to
include a glass of wine. Thursday is Fish and Chips day.

The cricket club also had a
memorable day on Sunday against “The Bank of England”.

Although we lost the game, it was
a marked occasion as Veronica Hartley presented a Tankard to be played for
on a yearly basis , commemorating Brian’s association with both The Bank
and The Cricket Club. It was delightful to see so many previous players
turn out to support this event. The weather couldn’t have been better. The
food – and credit here must go to Anna Barnsley and her team of helpers –
an outstanding variety of savoury and sweet.

The “après match” at The Plough
brought forth a resplendent colourful array of Fancy Dress costumes worn
by The Bank of England . The theme being “The Kings”.

I will put out a plea here:- If
anyone has anyone photo’s of “The Kings” please would you send them to me
or Chris Sargeant for the Cricket Clubs’s records and our own.

This weeks game is at home to
Roxbourne Park start time 2pm.

Friday 6th September at
Lt. Missenden Church is an exhibition of artefacts and talk depicting “The
Roman Connection” . The evening commences at 7. 30pm. Tickets £10. from
the Parish Office (01494-862008) by e-mail or post. This includes a
ploughmans supper and there will be a licensed bar. Cheques made payable
to Lt. Missenden PCC.

Cream Teas are still being served
on Sunday afternoon at Little Missenden Church.

The Shop has an abundance of
seasonal locally grown fruit and vegetables. 50p for French Beans (
£1.25/50p in the supermarkets) Cooking apples @ 50p a bag. Very large
Marrows . Courgettes. All these in addition to the regularly stocked items
from Peterley Farm Shop.

Monday 2nd September in The Village Hall . A chance
to meet our Parish Councillors.

‘Le Weekend’ Looms and with it the Beer Festival to
be held at The Plough.

Leaflets advertising this event have been circulated
giving all the details to set your taste buds twitching ready to sample
the delights of local beers, wines and ciders’

Live music to sing-a-long and dance to: ‘The Little
Grey Cells’ to be challenged with a Pub Quiz and a BBQ to keep up the
energy levels. And lastly, but by no means least :- Steve is to have his
Luscious Locks Lopped. All in aid of “Help The Heroes” Go along and enjoy
our very own weekend of pleasure without having to get the car out.

Last Sunday’s cricket match against the arch enemy
“Gamecocks ”ended in a disastrously heavy loss. I have no further details.
Probably one for the “best forgotten” file.

This Sunday at tea-time in a match against “The Bank
of England” , Veronica Hartley will be presenting a trophy in memory of
Brian. A good turn out is expected.

Friday 6th September at Lt. Missenden
Church ‘The Roman Connection’ An exhibition of artefacts with a talk on
an archaeological dig at a local Roman Site by Roland Mclain-Smith , a
local historian, who will answer any questions and talk about the Roman
Connection in both Lt.Missenden and the Parish Church.

The evening commences at 7pm for a 7.30pm start.
Tickets available from the Parish Office (01494-862008) by e-mail or post
with stamped addressed envelope at £10 each to include a ploughman’s
supper. Licensed bar available . Cheques made payable to Little Missenden
PCC.

Another “plug” for the Hyde Heath Theatre Co. for
their next production of 3 one act plays to be performed on Oct.3rd.
4th. 5th. at 7.45pm and Matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets
available for the Village Shop and Box Office: 01494-784760. £10 (£9
concession)

On a more sober note:- A van is flaunting the “No
Parking’ regulations on the common by displaying and advertising a “For
Sale” sign. This has been reported to the Council with the intention of
returning the common to its pristine state and not being used as a used
car lot.

We
must have all seen the “Pub Flood” outside the back of the Village Hall.

It took 23 days and 11 phone calls
to get the Water Board to come and attend to the leak. I use the term
“attend” loosely as the “ ole’s been dug” a “ danger don’t go there”
fence surrounding said “ole” -- but no-one is working on it at the
moment.

Sounds about right. I have been
informed that the leak will eventually affect the houses opposite the pub
, but that shouldn’t worry the Water Board.

August Bank Holiday will see a
flurry of activity at The Plough : ....

There is to be a Hyde Heath Beer
Festival serving local Wines, Beer, Cider and other related local
Produce. Live Entertainment. Food. On Sunday evening the main feature
will see our very own landlord, Steve, forfeiting his Luscious Raven
Locks in aid of “Help The Heroes”. Pretty impressive ! Please support him
and the cause for which it is intended.

The Shop is now stocking both
small kitchen food caddy bags and bigger re-cycling bags for the large
Brown food waste bins . These along with the ever-fresh locally grown
produce .

With the new food display baskets,
the well tended flower arrangement and a friendly greeting by the staff,
it really is a pleasure to “pop” into the shop. Do spread the word !

“Google” has a lot to answer for.
Our local Neighbourhood Police Sergeant “googled” Hyde Heath and found our
Newsletter. If you need any assistance at any time or would like to
receive crime prevention - contact:- PS 4467 Nicky Upton:- 07970-145294
or 01494-736798 who works out of the Gt.Missenden Office. We could have
done with some help on the evening of Saturday 3rd August when
“party music” shook the village and all the houses until 4am in the
morning.

An early mention for the Hyde
Heath Theatre Co. for their next production to be staged in October. :-

Let
me commence by saying that Robin is enjoying a well earned holiday in the
RAFA Respite Home in Littlehampton. I am somewhat concerned that all the
pampering and constant attention he is receiving may wished to be carried
forward on his return.

Having read the very comprehensive
cricket report on the match last Sunday, which unfortunately we lost,
between Hyde Heath and Bourne End, I will not be able to do it justice by
reducing its’ content. I can only suggest that you check out the report
in the cricket section on the Village website which makes very
entertaining reading . If a cricket wife can appreciate this - it must
be good!

This weeks match on Sunday 11th
August is away to Longwick.

The Village shop continues to be
well stocked with fresh seasonal fruit and veg supplied by the Peterlee
Farm Shop and our own home grown produce from within the village. A lot
of this produce is half the price of the local supermarkets , has not
travelled “air miles” , does not need to be “ripened at home” and is fresh
to the plate.

Make the most of it whilst it is
in season. Buy it, enjoy it , even freeze it.

Wednesday afternoon saw a small
group of W.I members being put through their paces at Bowls in the
picturesque village of Wingrave. Having enjoyed an introductory lesson in
croquet the year before , we set off in high spirits. We were warmly
welcomed by the Bowls club members and divided up into 3 lots of teams and
allocated a “professional tutor”. Once we novices had got the idea of
“weights” of the bowls and the “bias” of the greens , we were away. Irene
Merredew was by far the most consistent , but she was beaten by a fun
“nearest the Jack” by Felicity Benyon who cunningly knocked everyone out
of the way and won the prize of the day.

In true W.I tradition we enjoyed
tea and home made cakes. Our thanks to Barbara Aris for arranging such a
great afternoon.

Tomorrow the W.I are having a walk
around “Spade Oak”, Bourne End and lunch at the nearby pub. For those of
you who are not familiar with significance of this place, it was the home
of the “Famous Five”” and “Noddy” books authoress “Enid Blyton”.

This Sunday afternoon Little
Missenden Church is open for Cream Teas supplied by the ladies of Hyde
Heath. Take a stroll along there ,sit a while and give your taste buds a
treat.

So, summer moves on…have we seen
the last of the hot weather ? I only ask because I shall be on holiday
for the next two weeks and am wondering whether or, not, to start by
packing my bucket and spade.

I have a message of thanks from
that Pepper trustee, Val Bevan, for all the support Pepper received for
its 2013 Rock Show, which was sold out for some performances. Well
done…I’ll publish the financial results when I have them.

As a consequence of the untimely
death of our dear friend and lovely lady, Alison Arnold, the Plough quiz
team finds itself a member, or, possibly two – Alison was that good –
short. The management is actively seeking to remedy the situation by
recruitment. Matches are at 8.30 on Tuesday from October to April in local
public houses. There are four to a team in a league, which is not
ultra-serious. Anybody interested in joining the Plough team should
contact me on 774582.

Did you know that Hyde Heath was
recently awarded runners-up spot in the Buckinghamshire Best-Kept Village
Competition ? Well done to all those involved…the winner was Great
Brickhill. Let us hope that we can seize the title in 2014.

The Village Shop continues to
display a good stock of fruit and vegetables. A goodly amount of this is
from Peterley, but it is augmented by locally-grown crops of high
quality. Speciality this week is red gooseberries, and the Shop has a
fresh stock of all types of ice cream.

We had two cricket matches last
weekend. Unfortunately I have no details of individual contributions, just
the bare bones of the scores, which were :-

Friday July 26th:
Petts Wood 226-5 Hyde Heath 227-3 Hyde Heath won by 7 wickets and
with three balls to spare.

Further to David Coulton's note
about the Village Hall & Fete - I am sure we would all agree we
CANNOT let the Hall close or the Fete cease - so please do come
forward and help - its a case of many hands making light work - just one
meeting a month for the Hall. Please contact David for more details and
help to ensure the continuation of these vital village assets Tel 775967
or e-mail davdcoulton@yahoo.co.uk - Thankyou.

As I mentioned earlier I am off on
holiday next week. I expect to produce the next newsletter on August 22nd.

What a very sad day…the funeral of our friend, the
Cricket Club all-rounder, Richard Austin, is today at 11.00am. at
St.Mary’s Church, Chesham. We send our heartfelt condolences to Lynne and
Rosie. Chris.Sargeant has collated an impressive gallery of photographs
of Richard in cricket action on our website
www.hydeheath.com

Something more cheerful…a message from Irma Dolphin
to thank all the drivers of the Friday door-to-door shopping bus,
especially Mary Collins and Derek Faversham, who drove to Waddesdon Manor
a couple of Fridays ago for a picnic lunch. Irma is unstinting in her
praise of this team of caring drivers, and thinks that maximum use should
be made of the excellent service which they provide.

As for last Sunday’s cricket…on a beautiful afternoon
the Club drew their match with Red Square Lions and Harry McHugh recorded
his maiden half-century for the Club.

This Sunday’s game is also at home, to the Full
Tossers. 2.00 pm. start at the Common.

Melissa Laing would like to encourage you to try
Nordic Walking, at the same time supporting the campaign against the HS2
route through the Chilterns. She says that Nordic Walking is the fastest
growing sport in the UK. and is suitable for all ages. For further details
contact the Chiltern Society office on 01494 771250 or
office@chilternsociety.org.uk

Just this evening (Thursday 18th.),
tomorrow (19th.) and Saturday (20th.) to go for this
year’s Pepper Charity Rock concert performances at the Centenary Theatre,
Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted. Tickets are £15 to £25 from
the ticket hotline 01442 877292. or
www.peppershow.com This year will see the last show in its present
format.

The Pepper Foundation provides specialist nursing
care for children with life-limiting conditions in their own home and
support to their families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Congratulations to customers of the Plough for
raising one hundred pounds for Iain Rennie Hospice at Home. How did they
do it ? Easy…they emptied the swearbox, and paved the way for a new comedy
film…”Carry On Cursing” Well done!

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham
is Charlie Carrington.

It’s all bad news this week, for
not only has the Cricket Club lost a highly-valued member in the
all-rounder, Richard Austin, who was only in his early forties when he
died last Saturday (see the Village website for Dominic Haddock’s report
and Chris.Sargeant’s photograph of those assembled at the pavilion for the
ritual minute’s silence and flag-lowering
http://www.hydeheath.com/match_reports_2013.htm#tribute ) but also
the Plough quiz team has lost a valuable and long-serving member with the
death of Alison Arnold who passed away last Thursday. Alison’s great depth
of knowledge from the classics to various cuisines will be greatly missed
by the team, as well as her charming personality.

This evening at 8.00 pm.in the
Village Hall sees the July WI.meeting with the guest speaker Edward Dixon.
His topic is First World War Memorabilia.

Wed 17th. July, is the
WI. Summer Ramble and Light Supper - meet Village Hall at 6.15pm. Supper
around 7.45 pm. for those not able to join the walk. £6.00 per person
forWI. charity, the Chilterns MS.Centre.

I forgot to give you last Sunday’s
cricket result …Ballinger Waggoners made 187 for 9 wickets with Charlie
Foster taking four of them. In reply we got home with time and wickets to
spare thanks to forty-odd from each of Henry Capper and James Shrimpton,
39 not out from Harry McHugh and a bludgeoned 30 not out from Spencer
North. Next Sunday’s at home to the Red Square Lions…2.00 pm. start at the
Common.

With the very pleasant weather we
are currently enjoying often comes something anti-social… Last Monday
evening somebody had a party on the Common and left the eyesore of a whole
load of litter, which was cleared up by Steve and Jason before the village
came to life. Whilst mentioning the Plough, compliments on their glorious
floral displays in the hanging baskets around the pub.

And Steve is due our thanks and
compliments for the excellent French meal he produced last week on
Wednesday evening.

May we again bring to your
attention the excellent quality of the fruit and veg. available at the
Village Shop. The strawberries in particular come with a personal
recommendation, and I know that Ruth has ordered in extra supplies of ice
cream to complement them.

I have had one reply to last
week’s plea for strong able-bodied men who would be willing to help the
elderly and frail complete small tasks about the house…thank you,
Charlie…

The Pepper Charity which provides
specialist nursing care for children with life-limiting conditions is
holding its annual fund raising rock show Fri, Sat, Sun 12th.
13th. and 14th. July at the Centenary Theatre,
Berkhamsted School, Kings Road, Berkhamsted and again 17th.,
18th., 19th. and 20th. Ticket prices are
£15 to £25 and the hotline is 01442 877292. You can book online at
www.peppershow.com

The Times on Tuesday said
Government has so far spent £234 million On the planned HS2 railway, inc
£150 million on consultants, according to the Public Accounts Committee.
Patrick McLoughlin, Transport Secretary, said last week that the expected
cost of the project had risen by a third to £42.6 billion. A further £7.5
billion will be spent on trains to run on the railway, which is expected
to open in the 2030s.

A further post note on the same
page says that by the time HS2 arrives we’ll no longer need it !

Hyde Heath Village Society is “on
the case” with an open evening in The Village Hall on Monday, 8th.July
19.00 – 21.00hrs - HHVS will have a copy of The Draft Environmental
Statements with maps of the HS2 works site at Mantles Wood and the entire
ancilliary drainage ponds and changes to road Lay-outs etc. The goal is to
keep the construction traffic away from Hyde Heath and reduce the noise
Levels. It is your opportunity to call in and talk to the Village Society
about the whole project.

Thursday July 11th is
the monthly W.I meeting . The Topic is 1st World War
Memorabilia . Speaker is Edward Dixon . The competition relates to this
subject.

Wednesday 17th July W.I
Summer Ramble and Light Supper . Meet 6.15pm at The Village Hall Supper
around 7.45pm for those not able to join the walk. £6 per person Charity
, Chilterns M.S. Centre.

Excellent quality Fresh Fruit and
Veg is available at the Village Shop from local supplier Peterley Farm .
The strawberries in particular come with a personal recommendation.
Bio-degradable liners for the newly provided small “kitchen caddy” food
waste bins are now on Sale in the shop – collections start July 18th.

Amersham Band have an Open Day
this Saturday from 2 – 5pm at Winchmore Hill Methodist Church. HP7 OPA .
There will be coffee, tea, cake say “hello” and see what they do. Even
have a go on an instrument.

Monday 8th July is the Hyde Heath
Chapel Lunch Club 12.00 for sit down lunch at 12.30pm. Suggested donation
£2.50p. For further information speak to Philip Woodley on 01296-334920.

From time to time some of us more
senior citizens need help in moving items of furniture etc about the
house. It would be helpful if there could be one or two able-bodied men
we could call Upon within the Village who would be willing to help with
this task.

Last Sunday’s match was gained
thru’ the Conference who supplied us with a fixture against Gt. Gaddesden
whom we have played in the past. Unfortunately on the day they were
stronger than us and we went down fairly heavily. Tom Jefferies took 4
wickets but there wasn’t much else to Cheer about . Next Sunday’s fixture
is a 2pm start at home.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham is:- Mary Collins.

I have been notified that National
MAD (make a difference 4 brass day ) will be on Saturday, 6th.July
from 2.00 until 5.00 pm. at Winchmore Hill Methodist Church. This will
be in fact be an open Day by the Amersham Band. Come and have a cup of
tea, or coffee, a piece of cake and see what the Band does, even to the
extent of having a go on an instrument. Amersham has a Main Band an
Intermediate Band and a Beginner Band. For more information e-mail
amershamband@gmail.com See you there…

Cricket was more successful last
Sunday as we recorded a seven-wicket win against our old pals, Southwell
Ramblers. We invited them to bat first and they were all out on the
stroke of tea for 127.The destroyer-in-chief was Alistair Richards, who
bowled unchanged from the pavilion end and finished with six wickets for
32 runs. Three of these were to catches by Harry McHugh in the most
unusual fielding position of silly mid-off (Alistair doesn’t normally
employ one of these). After tea the runs came from Nick Burgham, Harry
McHugh and Spencer North, and just in time, too, for, no sooner had the
last ball been despatched then a raincloud emptied its contents over the
ground.Next Sunday’s match is not yet entirely defined, as we need to use
the good offices of the Club Cricket Conference.

French-themed evening at the
Plough on Wednesday 3rd July at 7.45 pm. Following a
successful and enjoyable evening sampling the culinary delights that Steve
prepared for a small group of us recently we are very keen to relaunch the
“theme” nights that we enjoyed some time ago. This is the anticipated
menu:-

Baked Camembert or Pate - served with crusty bread

Moules et Frites or Duck a l’Orange served with sauté
Potatoes and Veg.

Crème Brulee or Tarte au Citron

Price per head will be £22.50, to
include one glass of wine, beer or lager or a drink of your choice.Pauline
is organising so please let her know (774582) your choices by Monday, 1st.July.

Whilst mentioning the Plough I
should tell you that Chris.Herring has recently spent a short time in
hospital, undergoing tests on his heart. He is now back at home pending
further examinations. Give him a ring (01895 835169). I know that he’ll
be pleased to hear a friendly voice.

The Pepper Foundation provides
specialist nursing care for children with life-limiting conditions in
their own home 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Pepper events Ltd.
performs a charity Rock event in July each year at the Centenary Theatre,
Berkhamsted School, and this year is special. It is the 25th.
Anniversary and the last of the shows in This format. Ticket prices will
be £15-25 and the ticket hotline is 01442 877292

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Derek Faversham.

Here’s a bit of interesting
news….. Tony Robinson aka the downtrodden servant “Baldrick” has been
awarded a Knighthood , whereas his snooty master is only seen as
deserving of a lesser award.

Last Sunday, Fathers’ Day, I was
presented gladly with a full set of 14 DVD’s of Dad’s Army. I don’t know
how long it will take to get through them ! Nevertheless, many thanks to
Alistair for such a thoughtful gift.

Last Saturday was President’s Day
, a perfectly splendid lunch ruined by the weather and complete lack of
play. Such a pity considering all the hard work of organisation by Charlie
and Janette Samuels and other willing helpers from the Club. Oh, the soft
clink of the Pimms Glass and the company of old friends !

The Annual Beer Festival was
generally felt to be the best yet. Mark you, this is said every year about
the Old Time Musical Hall… Full marks to Emma Burgham for the excellent
organisation of the evening.

On Sunday the weather relaxed
enough for the 20-20 match between Pub and Club - an enjoyable feast of
fun with the laws of the game being very relaxed and the Club winning by
the narrowist of margins.

The match this weekend is on
Sunday at home to Southwell Ramblers with a 2pm start .

Our Village Shop now has an
extended range of fruit and vegetables, including salads and strawberries,
all sourced locally. Biodegradable liners for the newly provided small
“kitchen caddy” food waste bins are also on sale - collections from the
new bins do not start until July 18th - so don’t use yet.

Please can we all tuck our new
bins out of sight apart from collection day to keep the village tidy.

This evening at 8.15pm is an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Village
Hall. This is a very important meeting so do please try to attend as this
relates to the future of the Village Hall and the Village Fete.

This Saturday the 22nd
June at 7.30pm at Lt Missenden Church sees a Murder Mystery entitled “The
Wedding Reception”. Tkts £10 to include a BBQ. and Bar from the Parish
Office on 01494-862008.

Pepper Foundation provides
specialist nursing care for children with life limiting conditions in
their own home 24hrs a day, 365 days a year. They perform a charity Rock
Event each July at the Centenary Theatre , Berkamsted School and this year
is their 25th anniversary and the last show in this format. The
performances will be in mid-July, tickets prices will be £15 - £25 and the
ticket hot-line 01442-877292.

Wednesday July 3rd sees the
re-introduction of the International Evenings at The Plough - the theme
being “A French Feast”, an early celebration of Bastille Day. The menu
will be displayed on the Pub Notice Board.

Please support this very sociable
event.

The Driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Charlie Carrington.

Flaming June…we seem to have reverted to our regular weather…cloudy and
cool. First things first…this evening sees the June meeting of the WI. at
8.00 pm in the Village Hall. The guest speaker will be Judy Jenner on
"Understanding Alzheimers” The competition this month will be “a
moneybox”.

The Cricket Club enjoyed its
second success of the season last Sunday with the 87-run defeat of the
Little Missenden Misfits. Hyde Heath scored 197 for 5 wickets, with James
Shrimpton 70 not out. In reply the Misfits made 110 all out with Sohail
Rauf and Alistair Richards each grabbing three wickets. The next match is
versus the President’s XI on Saturday (15th.) on the Common at
2 o’clock.

The onfield excitement was matched by drama off it as a
squadron of bees decided to take refuge in a tree in the garden of Keith
and Mary’s cottage. Enter Nick (the Bee), Gray, fully kitted to handle
the situation. The number of bees in the swarm was generally thought to
be in the tens of thousands.

Friday this week sees the Hyde
Heath Cricket Club Beer Festival, a major fundraiser enabling it to
maintain the Common, pavilion and playing equipment and to take the
"Golden Oldies” out for the day. The Festival runs 7.30 - 11.30pm. with
music by the Amersham Band and the Dennis Ruff “Wall of Sound” Tickets
from Emma Burgham, 2, Cedar Ridge (off Brays Lane) 01494 773660 or
emmaburgham@hotmail.com

I have a message from Melissa
Laing…”Have a go at Nordic Walking and support our campaign against the
HS2 route through the Chilterns”. Places on each walk are limited and
must be reserved in advance through the Chiltern Society office 01494
771250
office@chilternsociety.org.uk

Next Thursday (20th.)
at 8.15pm. in the Village Hall is an Extraordinary General Meeting of the
Hyde Heath Village Hall. This is a very important meeting. Do please try
to attend.

Pepper Foundation provides
specialist nursing care for children with life-limiting conditions in
their own home, and support to their families, 24 hours a day, 365 days a
year.

Pepper performs a charity rock
event in July each year at the Centenary Theatre, Berkhamsted School andthis year is special…it’s the 25th.
anniversary and the last of the shows in this format. The performances
will be in mid-July, ticket prices will be £15-25 and the ticket hotline
will be 01442 877292.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps.

Flaming June…this is more like
it…let’s have some more of this summery weather…

Last
Sunday’s cricket match was a draw…Ley Hill scored 227 for four wickets
declared and Hyde Heath replied with 177 – 4. The visitors’ bowling was
tight for the first hour, but then contributions of forty-odd each from
Henry Capper, Harry McHugh and Matt Sims saw us to a reasonable total.
This Sunday we are at home to Little Missenden Misfits. Start at 2.00pm.
on the Common.

The Cricket Club’s Beer Festival
is on Friday week (14th.) from 7.30 until 11.30 pm. This is a
major Fundraiser for the Club, enabling it to maintain the Common,
pavilion and playing equipment on an annual basis and also to take the
Village “Golden Oldies “ out for the day.

Music for the evening will be
provided by the Amersham Band and the Denis Ruff “Wall of Sound”

Tickets for the Beer Festival are
available from Emma Burgham, 2, Cedar Ridge off Brays Lane, Hyde Heath
(01494 773660) or
emmaburgham@hotmail.com

The sad news is that David Paul of
Harvest Bank died last Sunday night. A service is being planned for him
on Thursday, 13th. June at 12.15 pm. at the Chiltern
Crematorium, followed by a function at the Plough, Hyde Heath.

The Hyde Heath Chapel Lunch Club
meets next Monday (10th.) at 12.00 for 12.30pm. Further info.
from Philip Woodley on 01296 334920.

Next Thursday (13th.)
is the June meeting of the WI. at 8.00pm. in the Village Hall. The guest
speaker will be Judy Jenner and her subject will be “Understanding
Alzheimers”. The competition this month will be a moneybox.

Then, on Thursday week (20th.),
at 8.15 pm. in the Village Hall is an Extraordinary General Meeting of
the Hyde Heath Village Hall. This is a very important meeting ; do please
try to attend.

Last week I mentioned Pepper and
their annual Rock Event which this year is their twenty-fifth. The
performances will be in mid-July, ticket prices will be £15-25 and the
ticket hotline is 01442 877292.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Mary Collins.

Last Friday, as you stared out of
the window at the interminable rain, the Amersham Band was doing the same,
but in the exotic area of Saddleworth, Yorkshire, at their Whit.Friday
contests. The Band competed in seven village contests and were delighted
to be placed best third section band in four of them, being awarded £450
in total prize money. The wet weather and the late finish (10.30 pm.)
failed to deter our lads and lasses…another fine result…well done !

The Cricket Club continues to enjoy mixed fortunes…there was a seventy-run
defeat last Sunday by Chesham Sun.XI Tom Jeffreys bowled well to finish
with six wickets for seventy runs as the visitors made a competitive total
of 195, but we had nobody who was prepared to graft and buildan innings of
substance in reply. Not like last week, when Henry Capper (86 not out) and
Dominic Haddock (51) led the charge to 190 to beat Greenwood Park of
St.Albans by nine wickets and with nine overs to spare.

This Sunday’s fixture is at home to Ley Hill with a 2.00 pm. start.You
have only until eight o’clock this evening to get down to
the Memorial Hall site in Great Missenden where there is being held an
“HS2 Roadshow”, the purpose of which is to inform about the draft
Environmental Statement that HS2 has just issued. Make your views known at
this Roadshow. If you want Hyde Heath Village Society to keep you updated
on HS2 and its impact on Hyde Heath e-mail
sburke@hhvs.org.uk to add your name to the list.

The Hyde Heath Cricket Club Beer Festival is on Friday, 14th.June
from 7.30 until 11.30 pm. in the marquee on the Common. Music will be
provided by the Amersham Band and the Dennis Ruff wall of Sound. Further
details and tickets are available from Emma Burgham on 01494 773660 or
emmaburgham@hotmail.com

Recently readers of the Bucks. Examiner were confronted by the front page
headline “Use local shops or lose them warning.” Let's make sure this
does not happen here by all supporting our own shop which is a most
valuable asset to the village.

An Extraordinary General Meeting of Hyde Heath Village Hall will take
place at 8.15 pm. on Thursday, 23rd.June.

Pepper Foundation provides specialist nursing care for children with
life-limiting conditions in their own home and support to their families,
24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Pepper performs a charity rock event in July every year at the Centenary
Theatre, Berkhamsted School and this year is special – it’s the 25th.
anniversary and the last of its shows in this format.

The ticket hotline number is 01442 877292…more details next week.

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham is Derek Faversham.

May 16th
"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine so it will be
there in the Snow ! "

I was unable to go to the Village
Fete last Saturday, but I have an eye-witness account (from Chris.Sargeant
) which I append below:-

“The Village Fete was a great
success and, apart from a few spots, unaffected by rain. Classic cars,
display dogs, Morris men and the Amersham Band entertained, whilst a vast
array of stalls tempted the wallet and continuous teas, cake, burgers, ice
creams and soft drinks provided refreshment.

Grateful thanks to Ralph Bartlett,
Sarah Hortop and their colleagues and all helpers for a magnificent event,
all towards the Village Hall upkeep. Unfortunately the planned flypast
was cancelled due to bad weather en route - thunderstorms encountered near
Luton on their way from RAF Coningsby.

Alongside the Fete a wondrous
display of blooms, put together by the many village organisations graced
the Church Flower Festival.”

My thanks to Chris. for his roving
report. Pictures of both events are on the Village Website at
www.hydeheath.com

On Sunday the Cricket Club was not
so lucky. It made several attempts to continue play at The Lee,but
eventually had to abandon, due to rain, with The Lee on 123 for 3 wickets.
Luke Brennan bowled well and took two of those wickets. This Sunday's
match vs Gt Missenden Pelicans has been moved to Lt Kingshill due to
burrowing creatures infesting their square - 2.00pm start.

This Sunday (19th.) is
an open day at Priestfield Arboretum, Stony Lane, Little Kingshill 10.30
am - 4.00 pm. This is a private collection of rare and specimen trees in
a delightful small woodland setting, managed by volunteers. Admission
£2.00 Free guided tours throughout the day. New guidebook
available. Regret uneven terrain not suitable for disabled. Contact
01344 774620 or
curator@priestfieldarboretum.og.uk

Hyde Heath Cricket Club Beer
Festival is on Friday, 14th.June 7.30 pm.- 11.30 pm in the
marquee on the Common. Details and tickets from Emma Burgham on 01494
773660 or
emmaburgham@hotmail.com

I have received a handbill from
Jordans Music Club concerning their 70th. Summer Festival. I
don’t normally give publicity to societies from other villages, when our
own village could do with all the help it can get, but as music is
involved, I would like to tell you that at 8.00 pm. on Sun, June 2nd.
in the Jubilee Hall, Seer Green The Nash Ensemble (a string quartet plus
horn) will play Mozart, Borodin and Mendelssohn.

Here is advance notice of an
Extraordinary General Meeting of Hyde Heath Village Hall at 8.15 pm.on
Thursday, 23rd June, 2013.

Also - there will be a Ladies Indulgence evening in the hall on June 21st
organised by the school PTA - details on the web site at Coming Events

Due to holidays, hospital
appointments etc. the next newsletter will be published two weeks today.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps.

May 9th
"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine so it will be
there in the Snow ! "

Sunshine…warm-ish weather…will it
remain so for the Village Fete on Saturday ? more on the Fete in a
following paragraph, or two.

This evening at 8.00 pm. in the
Village Hall is the monthly meeting of the WI. Guest speakers will be Jo
Woolf from the Chiltern MS Centre and Ruth Dunkin from the Stroke
Association. This is the annual meeting where resolutions are considered
and made for submission to WI head Office. The competition this month is
“a piece of lace “.

The Chapel Lunch Club next meets
on Monday, 13th.May at 12.00 noon (for 12.30). For further
information please contact Philip Woodley on 01296 334920 or
woodley545@btinternet.com

Don’t forget the Village Shop AGM.
at 8.00 pm.on Wednesday, 15th.May in the Village Hall.

On Sunday, 19th.May is
an Open Day at Priestfield Arboretum, Stony Lane, Little Kingshill. It
will be from 10.30 am. until 4.00 pm. This is a private collection of rare
and specimen trees in a delightful small woodland setting, managed by
volunteers. Admission £2.00 Free guided tours throughout the day.
New guidebook available. Regret uneven terrain not suitable for disabled.
Contact 01344 774620 or
curator@priestfieldarboretum.og.uk

Hyde Heath Village Society
announces a public meeting, open to all, on Sunday, 12th.May at
6.00 pm. in the Village Hall. Scheduled for inclusion in the discussions
are changes in Green Belt, HS2, including compensation, public transport,
roads, pot holes, fly tipping, and other concerns of the members of the
Society.

The Cricket Club made an
inauspicious start to the season with a defeat at home to Chartridge.
Their innings closed on 161 and we began our reply brightly with a
half-century from Henry Capper, but there was no great substance in our
later batting and we finished twenty-odd runs short. This Sunday (12th.)
the match is at the Lee with a 2.00 pm.start.

The annual Village Fete is this
Saturday (11th.) and the organisers-in-chief, Sarah Hortop
(772104) and Ralph Bartlett (783489) stress that volunteers are urgently
needed, especially on the day itself. Raffle - good quality items for
prizes to Yvonne Hitchcock, 11, Westfield. White Elephant Stall – new and
used good quality items to David and Ruth Coulton, 33, Westfield.

Cake Stall – please pass your
cakes on to Sue Hopkinson, 1, Westfield so that they may be priced. All
items should be covered in cling film and labelled with contents,
particularly if they include nuts. Books / CD’s – The Drama Group are
again running the bookstall. Donations will be gratefully received.
Contact Erica Elson on 784760

"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine so it will be
there in the Snow ! "

Today is local elections day…do
your bit and elect those candidates who you think get things done in your
locality, whereas the national government doesn’t seem to have yet quite
got the hang of things.

Only nine days to go until the day
of the Village Fete…the following is a message from the two principal
organisers, Ralph Bartlett (783489) and Sarah Hortop (772104).

“Help needed PLEASE ! Volunteers
urgently needed – can you spare an hour of your time to help make the Fete
as successful as previous years, or can you provide any of the following:
Raffle – do you have any good quality items, tickets to a sporting event
or are able to offer your professional services as one of our raffle
prizes ? If so delighted to receive your donation - please deliver, in
advance of Fete Day, to Yvonne Hitchcock, 11, Westfield ( alternatively
please call Sarah to discuss).

White Elephant Stall – all new and
used good quality items gratefully received on the morning of the Fete or
they can be delivered in advance to David and Ruth Coulton at 33,
Westfield.

Cake stall – time to make yummy
cakes, biscuits and scones. Please pass your cakes on to Sue Hopkinson at
1, Westfield on either Friday (after 4 pm.) or Saturday morning before 12
noon so that they can be priced. Alternatively please call Sarah who may
be able to receive a delivery during the day on Friday. All items should
be covered in cling film and labelled with contents (particularly if they
contain nuts).

Books / CD’s – the drama group are
again kindly running the book stall and donations would be gratefully
received - either brought to the Common on Fete morning contact Erica
Elson on 01494 784760.

Offers of help for the day itself
will be gratefully appreciated. If you don’t normally have the chance to
get involved in Village life then this is the ideal opportunity. Thanks
to all who have already offered.

A Hyde Heath villager was burgled
at approx. 10.00 am. on Monday, 22nd.April and it appeared that
jewellery was the main haul. But then on Friday evening, 26th.April
at around midnight a car was taken from the driveway…obviously in the
original theft a spare car key had been taken. Be as vigilant as you
possibly can, locking all doors and windows and hiding anything of value

The Hyde Heath Village Shop AGM will be 8.00 pm. on Wednesday, 15th
May in the Village Hall.

Cricket begins in earnest this
Sunday at 2.00pm with a home match against Chartridge. See you there.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Derek Faversham.

"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine so it will be
there in the Snow ! "

How nice that the weather appears
to promise warmer days, just in time for the cricket season, which is due
to start this coming Sunday morning (28th.) with the
rescheduled pavilion etc. clear-up, to be followed by the practice match
at 2.00 pm. The chairman, Matt Sims, has all the details. (837585).

This evening sees the opening
performance of the Hyde Heath Theatre
Company’s latest production,“Proscenophobia” at 7.45
pm. in the Village Hall. It’s also on at the same time on Friday and Sat.
(26th. and 27th.), with a matinee on Saturday at
2.00 pm. Tickets are £10 adults, with £9.00 concessions for senior
citizens and under-sixteens. Price includes refreshments in the interval.
Tickets available from the Hyde Heath Village Shop or from the box office
(773511) or by e-mail
carole_north@yahoo.co.uk . Call the box office for discounts for
groups often or more. I am led to believe that “Proscenophobia” means
stage fright and that the show is a thrilling whodunit.

What can you do for your village
? The Annual Fete - Saturday May 11th - is almost upon us…ring Ralph
Bartlett on 783489 to find out which jobs are still to be done on the big
day.

Following the success of the Fete
Treasure Hunt last year Melissa Laing is organising “Find the Hyde Heath
dogs “ treasure hunt for children. This will involve finding photographs
of local dogs. If you have a dog and would like to take part (no dogs will
be required - just photo’s) please e-mail a photo.of your dog with its
name and breed to
melissaclaing@googlemaill.com

The Village Shop welcomes
customers old and new, especially new, with the promise of a fresh
consignment of ice creams being currently delivered. Don’t forget that the
Shop also sells cold drinks and other thirst-quenching beverages.

I have been asked by Barbara
Rippington to publicise the open day on Sunday, 19th. May of
the Priestfield Arboretum in Stony Lane Little Kingshill. 10.30 am. to
4.00pm. Private collection of rare and specimen trees in a delightful
woodland setting. Managed by volunteers. Admission £2.00 Free guided tours
throughout the day. New guidebook available. Regret uneven terrain not
suitable For disabled. Contact 01344 774620
curator@priestfieldarboretum.org.uk

Keep Friday, 14th. June
free for the Hyde Heath Beer Festival.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Charlie Carrington. Welcome to the roster,
Charlie

"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine and we'll be
there in the Snow ! "

Did you watch “Midsomer Murders”
last Tuesday evening ? It was a repeat – aren’t they all ? But it was the
one where an exercise class was using a village hall…our village hall, and
it showed up well for some brief interior shots.

The Great Village Litter Pick will
take place at 10.00 am. this Saturday (20th.) Meet at the
flagpole on the Common. The Village Society is arranging high visibility
tabards, litter picking sticks and rubbish sacks plus light refreshments.
Please come and help to maintain the attractive state of our village.

Later on that same day, in Lt
Missenden Village Hall at 8.00 pm. there will be an Old Time Music Hall
withll proceeds to “Revelation Life”, a charity which is operated in
Uganda by Simon & Nicola Neal Admission ll £18.00 per person and I can
tell you that the show will be provided by that august company, the Hyde
Heath Old Time Music Hall Society and it will be substantially their
programme from November last year. Tickets are available from Ann Neal at
01494 259917 or
ann@revelationlife.org.uk

There’s not long to go before the
Village Fete…I’m sure that Ralph Bartlett and Sarah Hortop could do with
all the assistance you can give them. Ring Ralph on 783489.

Following the success of the Fete
treasure hunt last year Melissa Laing is organising “Find the Hyde Heath
dogs” treasure hunt for children. This will involve finding photographs of
local dogs. If you have a dog and would like to take part (no dogs wil be
required – just photos.) please e-mail a photo of your dog with its name
and breed to
melissaclaing@googlemaill.com

Hyde Heath Theatre Company
presents on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 25th.,26th.
and 27th.April at 7.45 pm. with a Saturday matinee at 2.00 pm.
“Proscenophobia” Tickets are £10 adults with £9.00 concessions for senior
citizens and under-sixteens. Price includes refreshments in the interval.
Tickets available from Hyde Heath Village Shop or from the box office
(01494 773511) or by e-mail
carole_north@yahoo.co.uk Call box office for discounts for groups of
ten or more. I understand that the show is a thrilling whodunit and that
Proscenophobia means Stage Fright.

Don’t forget that on Saturday
April 27th. there will be a St.George-themed fun evening in
Little Missenden Village Hall with an auction of promises. Starts at 7.30
pm. There will be a hot supper, licensed bar, entertainment and the
auction. Tickets are £10.00 from the parish office (862008) Charlie
Carrington has sent me this next item, entitling it “If you go down to the
woods today”. It refers to those observant souls who may have spotted that
in the woods by the Common some holly bushes and trees are no longer in
existence. This tells of the work by the Chiltern Society to let in more
light and allow other plants to get established. The society work group
meets on the second and fourth Tuesday at 10.00 am. at the cricket
pavilion. Volunteers from Hyde Heath are being sought. (all tools are
supplied, as well as refreshments.)

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps.

"Support our Village Shop in Sunshine and we'll be
there in the Snow ! "

This evening is the April meeting
of the WI. – at 8.00pm.in the Village Hall. The guest speaker will be
Tom Way and his subject is “Wildlife on your doorstep” (and how to clean
up after it ?) The competition will be “Wildlife Photograph.

Nell Neale has jogged my elbow to
report the following piece of news, which is breathtaking in its sheer
audacity. It is that Chiltern District Council is proposing to remove /
alter Hyde Heath from the Green Belt, along with South Heath and six other
parishes. There is a publication participation document on the Chiltern
District DC. website at
www.chiltern.gov.uk/DDPD/publicparticipation

There appears to be suspiciously
an unpalatable whiff of HS2. The Village Society, in Ray Challinor’s own
words, “is on the case” and will have a small working party reviewing the
situation ready to make recommendations to the whole committee on 29th.April.

The Great Village Litter Pick will
take place at 10.00 am. on Saturday, April 20th. Meet at the
flag -pole on the Common. The Village Society is arranging for high
visibility tabards, litter picking sticks and rubbish sacks to be
available. Light refreshments will also be supplied. Please come and help
to keep our village in its attractive state.

There are just four weeks or so to
go until our Village Fete 2013. I am sure that Ralph Bartlett and Sarah
Hortop could do with all the help they can get, so shall be making this
aspect a feature for the next four weeks.

Hyde Heath Theatre Company will
present on 25th., 26th. and 27th.April a
thrilling Who-Dun-It … “Proscenophobia” (Stage Fright) in Hyde Heath
Village Hall at 7.45 pm. with a Saturday matinee at 2.00 pm.

On Saturday,(20th.April)
in Little Missenden Village Hall at 8.00 pm.there will be an Old Time
Music Hall. All proceeds will go to “Revelation Life”, a charity which is
operated in Uganda by Simon Neal and his wife, Nicola. Admission will be
£18.00 per person and I can tell you that the show will be provided by
that august company, The Hyde Heath Old Time Music Hall Society, and it
will be substantially their programme from November last year, so, if you
missed it then, why not catch it now ? Tickets are available from Ann
Neal at 01494 259917 or
ann@revelationlife.org.uk

And then on the following Saturday
(April 27th.) there will be a St.George-themed fun evening in
Little Missenden Village Hall with an auction of promises. Starts at 7.30
pm. There will be a hot supper, a licensed bar, entertainment and the
auction Tickets are £10.00 from the parish office (01494 862008)

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Mary Collins.

I hope that you all enjoyed a
pleasant Easter break. No gardening this year with the weather far too
cold for that type of effort, so we stayed in and watched Oxford row to
victory in a well-planned boat race.

The next meeting of the Chapel
Luncheon Club will be on Monday (8th.April) at 12.00 (for
12.30).There is suggested donation of £2.50. Contact Philip Woodley on
01296 334920 for further details.

Next Thursday 11thApril
8.00 in the Village Hall the guest speaker is Tom Way on “Wildlife on
your Doorstep”. (and how to clean up after it ?) The competition will
be “Wildlife photograph”.

On Sat20th April in
Little Missenden Village Hall at 8.00pm there will be an Old Time Music
Hall. in aid of “Revelation Life”, a charity Uganda run by Simon & Nicola
Neal. Admission will be £18.00 per person, and I can tell you that the
show will be provided by that august company, the Hyde Heath Old Time
Music Hall Society, and it will be substantially their programme from
November last year, so, if you missed it then, catch it now...Tickets are
available from Ann Neal on 01494 259917 or
ann@revelationlife.org.uk

At the Cricket Club’s AGM. on
Friday, March 22nd. there was no significant change to the
structure of its management; as before, the chaps to contact are chairman:
Matt.Sims (01494 837585) and captain Charles Samuels (01494 837308).

Did you read the article on our
Village Shop in last week’s Bucks Examiner ? Well, chairman of the Shop
Management Committee, Chris Sargeant, says that it is important to keep
the shop going and give it our wholehearted support as it is the lifeblood
of our village. “We need it to be used more or else it will not survive.”
It is a non-profit community shop and this year it has given £2,000 from
past profits to the Village School to revamp its library. I just remember
all the hard work that went into its initial set--up. Please don’t let
that magnificent effort be wasted.

I am pleased to include the
following message from Marian Dickinson:-“There will be a St.George-themed
fun evening in aid of church funds on Saturday, 27th.April in
Little Missenden Village Hall, with an auction of promises. Starts at 7.30
pm. There will be a hot supper a licensed bar, entertainment and the
auction. Tickets are £10 from the parish office (01494 862008) Go to the
website:
www.littlemissendenparish.org.uk and click on auction of promises
link for details. We’d love to have more people making the promises and
for people to bid for some wonderful offers”.

Page 7 of The Times last Tuesday
(2nd.) carried an article to cheer local inhabitants…it opened
like this: “Ministers should stop grandstanding over the £32 billion High
Speed 2 rail project and concentrate instead on sorting out the nation’s
roads, manufacturing chiefs are demanding. The EEF.employers’ body says in
a report being published today that investment in roads should be the
transport spending priority, especially those leading to Britain’s
ports.”Let’s see how that goes down, or, indeed, if government takes any
notice of it…

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Derek Faversham.

In common with all other retail
outlets, including Tesco, the Village Shop will be closed on Easter
Sunday. On Good Friday and Easter Monday it will be open from 9.00 am.
until midday, with the Saturday opening as usual from 7.30 am. until
1.00pm.

The Shop will be carrying its
usual seasonal stock of hot cross buns, Easter Chicks, Easter Eggs, cards
and flowers. Do come and inspect the goods, make acquaintance of the
courteous staff and a purchase.

Despite the installation of closed
circuit television the shop appears to be currently suffering from
incidents of unwelcome shoplifting, and the management would ask all
customers to be vigilant.

In the last newsletter (14th
March) I mentioned that the Amersham Band would be playing on Saturday 16th.
at Stevenage in the area eliminating contest for the National Brass Band
Championships. Well, they did it again; as last year they won their
section (third) and therefore qualify to play in the national finals this
autumn. I believe that it will again be at Cheltenham. Congratulations to
the Band...they do really seem to be going places.

Incidentally, our son, Alistair,
and his partner, Hannah, play in a championship section band, Friary
Guildford. They came second on Sunday 17th. and will play in
the finals at the Royal Albert Hall.Double celebrations…

The Cricket Club held its AGM. on
Friday, 22nd. As I was away, and therefore unable to attend, I
am not able to give any news on the proceedings, but I plan to do so in
our next edition.

There will be no shopping bus to
Chesham this Friday, as it is Good Friday.

Don’t forget that the clocks
should go forward by one hour into British Summertime at 2.00 am.

More snow…this wasn’t what we had
planned…it’s clear that Winter has not yet finished with us. This evening
at 8.00pm. in the Village Hall sees the March meeting of the WI. The
guest speaker will be Frances Benton and her subject is “A Passion for
Pearls. The competition will be “something pearly”.

On Thursday, 28th.
there will be the County Quiz at Great Missenden. Good luck to our team
which is: Judith Butt, Avril Sherratt and Di.Thompson.

The School has yet to recruit its
target, a “lollipop” person, who will safely shepherd the children across
the road outside the School before the start, and at the end, of each
day’s lessons. If you are willing to help, or know of anybody who might,
please contact Georgina Longley on 01494 586639 or 07734 481586 or e-mail
glongley@buckscc.gov.uk or try the School Secretary at 01494 783835.

The School is holding a “Wear a
Hat Day” on Thursday, 28th.March, which happens to be the last
day of this term. It re-opens on Monday, 15th.April.

The area qualifications for the
National Brass Band Championships are scheduled for this coming weekend.
The Amersham Band, competing in section 3, will be at Stevenage by 10.00
am. on this Saturday morning (16th.). We wish them all the very
best in this contest.

Two of the Band’s senior officers,
Caroline Perkins and Rod Stevens, appeared on BBC. Three Counties Radio
last Thursday (7th.) in an interview with Nick Coffer and the
piece of music that was played was from the Band’s latest CD., “New York,
New York.”

On Sunday, March 24th.
at 6.00 pm. The Plough will be holding a “Pubathlon” (hope I’ve spelt it
right). There will be competitions at darts, dominoes and draughts, poker
and some form of carpet bowls. The entry fee is £2.00 and the winner takes
all. Ring the Plough for further details.

The Village Shop is getting
stocked up with Easter goodies, such as Easter Eggs, hot cross buns,
greetings cards, flowers and plants. Call in and make your selection. The
courteous staff will be happy to advise you. Please give the shop your
full support to ensure its continued health - we don't want to lose it !

HS2…Buckinghamshire’s Mitigation
Blueprint was unveiled last week. It made sensible reading if, despite
all protests, this project is to be thrust upon us by a government more
concerned with status than the status quo. I find it staggering that
HS2 has so far cost more than a quarter of a billion pounds before a
single piece of track has been laid.

I shall be away for a week, so no
newsletter will “hit the streets” on 21st.March. The next one
will be a combined British Summer Time and Easter edition on 28th.March.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps and on the following week (22nd.)
Mary Collins.

Good morning to you all. Is it my
imagination, or does the new month bring warmer weather ?

It definitely brings more
activity, starting with this Saturday evening (9th.) when the
Village Hall sees the welcome return of Ian Keable and his magical one-man
show. Ian is a past winner of the Magic Circle Comedy Award, and I must
say that I was impressed by his act on his last visit. Be in the Village
Hall at 7.30 (for 8.00pm.). Tickets are £12.00 (to include supper) from
Sarah Hortop on 01494 772104. There will be a bar available.

The following day is Mothering
Sunday (10th.), and from midday the Plough is offering a
special three-course lunch £17.50 per adult and £9.95 per child up to the
age of ten years.

For those of you who are not
planning to take Mum out to lunch on that day I recommend a visit to the
Village Shop where you will find a range of greetings cards and attractive
goods which would gladden the heart of any mother. There will also be cut
flowers and small pots of plants (ideal for gifts by little ones).

On Monday (11th.) is
the Chapel Luncheon Club at 12.00 (for 12.30 pm.) Contact Philip Woodley
for further details on 01296 334920.

Thursday 14that 8.00pm.
in the Village Hall is the March meeting of the WI. The guest speaker will
be Frances Benton and her subject “Passion for Pearls”. The competition
will be “Something Pearly”.

The Cricket Club annual dinner
last Saturday evening was most enjoyable - some forty-odd people sat down
to a meal prepared and cooked by that Crafty Kiwi, Nick Burgham, ably
assisted by Jan.Samuels with Harriet Samuels, Georgina and Oliver Napier
Munn waiting. After dinner awards presentations included one to Paul
Haddock, a device which ensures that the umpire calls “Over” after six
legitimate deliveries, not ten, as happened during one home match last
season. Then there were gifts, to great applause, for the chef and his
glamorous assistant.

The playing awards were ::-
BATTING Henry Capper, BOWLING Richard Austin, FIELDING and
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT both went to James Shrimpton, YOUNG PLAYER Luke
Brennan, CAPTAIN’s CUP Chris.Sargeant for his unfailing production of
good action photographs.

Sue Flint has asked me to include
an item on the very unpleasant subject of dog foulings, particularly in
the vicinity of Brays Lane. As a wheelchair user I find it most annoying
having to avoid the stuff. So, if you are a dog owner, and a responsible
one at that, clean it up.

Calling
all golfers ! The Village Shop invites
you to bid in a silent auction for a four ball round at Little Hay . This
voucher is valid until end of May 2013 - tee time to be booked up to 7
days in advance in person or by phone. Just include your bid price, name,
address and telephone number in an envelope marked GOLF BID and hand it in
at the Hyde Heath Village Shop before closing date, Sat, 30th.March
at midday.

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham will be Ron.Flint.

Another month gone…Spring will
soon be with us. Tomorrow (1st.March) is St.David’s Day. Let us
hope that the Welsh don’t celebrate their saint by winning the home
nations’ rugby contest while England, surprisingly, are in a very good
position to seize that title for themselves.

This Saturday Evening (2nd.March)
is the Cricket Club Dinner at 7.30 for 8.00 in the Ballinger Village Hall.
Oh, the reminiscences of seasons past, the meeting with old friends of the
game, the soft clink of the claret cup. Tickets are £20.00 each. Please
notify your ticket requirements to Charlie Samuels on 07725 832295 or
01494 257671 or 01494 837308.

Then, on the following Saturday evening (9th.March)
we welcome the return to Hyde Heath of Ian Keable and his magical one-man
show. He is a winner of the Magic Circle Comedy Award. Be in the Village
Hall at 7.30 (for 8.00 pm.). Tickets are £12.00 (to include supper) from
Sarah Hortop on 01494 772104. There will be a bar available.

The following day is Mothering
Sunday (10th.) and from 12.00 pm. the Plough is offering a
special three-course lunch with an excellent choice of
starters, main course and sweets for £17.50 per adult and £9.95 per child
up to the age of ten years. There will also be a gift for the lady. Ring
Chris. on 01494 783163 to secure your booking.

For those of you who are not
planning to take Mum out to lunch on that day I can recommend a visit to
the Village Shop where you will find a range of attractive goods, which
would gladden the heart of any mother.

A piece of sad news is that Joan
Carter passed away last Friday, now much missed by family and friends. The
funeral will be next Tuesday 5th.March at 3.30 pm. in Amersham
Crematorium.

HS2…any sign of a result in the
various judicial reviews ? The Sunday Times of 25th.March,2012
ran the leader “Country Dave champions the green belt” and in the
associated article our leader describes the countryside as a national
treasure which should be loved, enjoyed and protected for everyone. For
the Countryside Alliance magazine he has written an article in which he
states that the countryside is in his blood. Will any of that fluid be
spilled ? I think that I can confidently forecast a heavy loss of vote
for the blues if HS2 goes ahead.

The School is still anxious to
appoint a crossing keeper (or lollipop person) to safely shepherd the
across the road before the start and at the end of each day’s lessons.
Ring the School Sec.(783835)

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Ron Flint (making the most of his services
before he retires)

So, we’ve seen bright sunshine over the past few days, and I’ve noticed
that with the departure of its snowy overcoat the garden is showing
several areas of fresh green growth. Could it be that Spring has come
early this year to Hyde Heath ? Shouldn’t think so, judging by the
forecast for this coming weekend…still, let us enjoy this more clement
weather while we may…

The Village Society is being re-formed. See the website for the proposed
constitution.

On Saturday, 2nd.March the Cricket Club will be holding its
Annual Dinner at 7.30 (for 8.00 pm.) in Ballinger Village Hall. The cost
of each ticket will be £20.00. Please notify your ticket requirements to
Charlie Samuels on 07725 832295.

Mothering
Sunday falls this year on 10th.March. The Village Shop stocks
a range of goods which would make appropriate gifts, good enough to cause
any mother’s eyes to water with delight.

There are still some copies available of Irma Dolphin’s splendid book,
“Our Village 1929-1999” Enquire at the Village Shop. This is a reprinted
edition. It costs £5.00 and Irma is kindly giving all proceeds to the
Village Hall.

On the day before (Saturday, 9th.March) we will be pleased to
welcome back to the Village Hall the hilarious and mind-boggling Ian
Keable with his magical one-man show. He is a winner of the Magic Circle
Comedy Award. Be there at 7.30 (for 8.00 pm.). Tickets are £12.00 each (to
include supper) from Sarah Hortop 01494 772104. There will be a bar
available.

The School is still anxious to recruit a crossing keeper (or lollipop
person) to safely shepherd the children across the road outside the School
before the start, and at the end , of each day’s lessons.

If you are willing to help, or know of anybody who might, please contact
Georgina Longley on 01494 586639 or 07734 481586 or e-mail
glongley@buckscc.gov.uk or try the School Secretary on 01494 783835

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps.

I was hoping that we had seen the
last of the snow for the time being, but here we go again. Still, we don’t
appear to have had as much of a fall as our cousins on the other side of
the Atlantic…how would we cope with one metre of the stuff ! My thanks as
ever to our diligent neighbours, who kindly cleared the front path and
hardstanding for us.

Fifty-five years ago this week I
was experiencing my first taste of National Service in the Royal Air
Force…there was snow then too, but much worse was the ice and blizzards
which caused the air crash at Munich a few days earlier. This severely
affected the staff of Manchester United F.C. For days the nation waited
for news of two men who were fighting for life in their hospital beds. One
was the manager, Matt Busby, and the other a young giant of a half-back
who had a promising future, Duncan Edwards. Unfortunately, Duncan, despite
the very best care, was not successful.

This evening sees the monthly
meeting of the WI. at 8.00 pm. in the Village Hall. The guest speaker will
be Mr.R.Bignell and his subject : “Country like this, River Thames and the
Valley”. There will be no competition; instead a “sales table”.

From
this evening until Sunday (17th.) the Plough will be hosting a
series of Valentine Suppers. They will be of three courses, with a glass
of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady. The cost will be £35.00 for two.
Make your reservation with Chris. on 01494 783163.

The School breaks up tomorrow (15th.)
for half-term and returns on Monday (25th.February).

The School is still desperately
keen to recruit a crossing keeper (or lollipop person) to safely shepherd
the children across the road outside the School before the start, and at
the end, of each day’s lessons. If you are willing to help, or know of
anybody who might, please contact Georgina Longley on 01494 586639 or
07734 481586 or e-mail
glongley@buckscc.gov.uk or try the School Secretary at 01494 783835.

Last week a neighbour had his car
stolen from its parking place at the front of his house. The thieves had
actually managed to gain access to his home to purloin the keys…It appears
that BMW’s are highly sought after (as well as Audi’s and Merc’s.), so
lock them up securely and keep the keys in a non-obvious location. The
Thames Valley Police urges you to review your own home security.

On Saturday, 2nd.March
the Cricket Club will be holding its annual dinner at 7.30 for 8.00 pm. It
will be in Ballinger Village Hall and the cost of each ticket will be
£20.00.

The Village Society is being
re-formed…see the village website www.HydeHeath.com for the proposed
constitution - further details in due course.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Ron Flint.

The Village was pleased to see
last weekend a former compiler of this newsletter, Sylvia Brown, who was
paying a social visit, and sends best wishes to all those she didn’t get
to see in a bit of a hectic schedule. She, herself, is as chirpy as ever
and seems to be fully immersed in the activities of her new village,
Hargrave, in Northamptonshire.

Whilst here Sylvia attended the
Friday evening performance by the newly-renamed Hyde Heath Theatre Company
of “Tom’s Midnight Garden” and expressed pleasure at the maturity of
acting by the many young people involved. Things clearly seem set fair for
the future of the Company.

The Hyde Heath Chapel Lunch Club
next meets on Monday, 11th.February at 12.00 for 12.30
pm.There is suggested donation of £2.50.

Two
important days next week - Shrove Tuesday on 12th Feb - better known as
Pancake Day and Valentines Day onPanake Thursday 14th - our village shop
has stocks of ingredients or ready mixes for the former and cards &
chocolates etc for the latter. The shop is a treasure trove of goodies so
do please give them your support.

On Thursday (14th…St.Valentine)
the WI. holds its next meeting at 8.00pm. in the Village Hall when the
guest speaker will be Mr.R.Bignell and his subject : “Country Like This,
River Thames and The Valley”.

The School is still desperately
keen to recruit a crossing keeper (or lollipop person) to safely shepherd
the children across the road outside the School before the start, and at
the end, of each day’s lessons. If you are willing to help, or know of
anybody who might, please contact Georgina Longley on 01494 586639 or
07734 481586 or e-mail
glongley@buckscc.gov.uk Or try the School sec.(01494 783835).

The School breaks up for half-term
on Friday, 15th.February and returns on Monday, 25th.February.
The children had an exciting visit from “Owl Time”, a company based in
Essex. They provided a presentation and then a demonstration of a flying
owl.

The
Plough will be hosting a series of Valentine Suppers from Thursday,
February 14th. to Sunday, February 17th. They will
be of three courses, with a glass of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady.
The cost will be £35.00 for two. Book with Chris. on 01494 783163.

An advance notice of the Cricket
Club’s annual dinner which will take place on Saturday, 2nd.March
at Ballinger Village Hall. More details next week.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Mary Collins.

Well, that’s the snow gone…thank
goodness…it stayed for the regulation fortnight, and now its melting will
just add to the risk of flooding…good job that Hyde Heath is some six
hundred feet above sea level…if Winter comes, can Spring be far away ? The
dispersal of the snow and ice coincides with Walk to School Week. That
should make the going easier.

This
evening sees the first night of the inaugural production of the
newly-renamed Hyde Heath Theatre Company. “Tom’s Midnight Garden” will be
staged this evening, tomorrow and Saturday in the Village Hall at 7.45 pm
with a matinee at 2.00 pm on Sat.Tickets are £10 for adults (£9 for
senior citizens and children under 16yrs.) Discounts for group tickets of
ten and over, and family tickets, are available from the box office (carole_
north@yahoo.co.uk 01494 773511) The play itself is adapted by David
Wood from the book by Philippa Pearce. “Tom thought it was impossible to
travel back in time, but while staying with his uncle and aunt, he is
transported to a secret garden when the hallway clock chimes thirteen
times. Here he meets his new friend, Hatty, and enjoys adventures with her
in a magical land. On each visit Tom must solve the mysteries of the
midnight garden. This wonderful family play includes ghosts, mystery,
magic and a journey through time to thrill adults and children alike” Best
Wishes for the success of this production.

The Plough will be hosting a
series of Valentine Suppers from Thursday, February 14th. to
Sunday, February 17th. They will be of three courses with a
glass of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady. The cost will be £35.00 for
two. Book now with Chris.at 01494 783163.

Our Village Shop works hard to
keep us supplied in sunshine and snow (as seen in the last couple of
weeks) - they need all our support on a regular basis particularly in the
present economic climate. I am sure we would not wish to put at risk this
major village asset, our only source of independent business, a “handy”
store for on-the-spot purchases, including newspapers and magazines, the
alternative being a drive in the car (have you seen the latest price of
road fuel ?) Please help to spread the word and encourage friends and
neighbours to use it regularly & increase the number of customers passing
through the door.

The School is still desperately
keen to recruit a crossing keeper (or lollipop person) to see the children
safely across the road outside the School before and after lessons. For
some time now the job has been kindly done by parents who happen to be
there at the time. If you are willing to help, or know anybody who might,
please contact Georgina Longley on 01494 586639 or 07734 481586 or e-mail
glongley@buckscc.gov.uk Better yet, speak to the School sec. on 01494
783835.

Those of you who made her
acquaintance at the Village Shop’s Celebrity Coffee Morning on 13th.October
last would have been delighted to see on Tuesday evening (29th.)
television “The Mary Berry Story” which took us from her childhood in
Bath through illness with poliomyelitis to a cordon bleu course in Paris
and then to working for an electricity board, advising its customers on
the best use of their new electric ovens. For this job she had the use of
a company car, a small black Ford Popular…Since she and I are of
approximately the same vintage I found the programme most interesting, and
I’m looking forward to the next instalment on Tuesday at 8.00 pm. on
BBC.TWO.

The driver of this Friday’s
shopping bus to Chesham will be Derek Faversham.

It looks like this week’s
newsletter is a special “thank you” edition, so let’s get cracking…

Firstly a personal thank you from
us to our neighbours who kindly cleared our front path & car hardstandings
of snow and ice. If you have an elderly or disabled neighbour why not
minimise their risk of slipping, and possible limb damage, by doing the
same for them ?

Next a message from Veronica
Hartley thanking everyone who sent a card or letter and then a big “thank
you” to everyone who had taken the time and the trouble to come and be
with us. We would also like to thank everyone who has contributed to the
Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research Fund in Brian’s name. Again, we have been
overwhelmed by the response to that and are absolutely amazed and
delighted to learn today that the total figure has reached £5,250. With
our grateful thanks and very best wishes to everyone, Veronica, Caroline
and Rosalind.”

The staff at the Village Shop are
to be congratulated and thanked for keeping the shelves well stocked, the
pathways cleared and the newspapers delivered. At one point last Saturday
morning the queue for service was well outside the door. As Margaret Dunn
pointed out “We are open in good weather, as well as bad.” Incidentally
the Shop still has large-size Christmas puddings for sale at half price.
On a Wednesday morning Wendy visits Peterley Farm to purchase a quantity
of fresh fruit and vegetables for sale in the Shop.

The
Plough will be hosting a series of Valentine Suppers from Thursday,
February 14th.to Sunday, February 17th. They will be
of three courses with a glass of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady. The
cost will be £35.00 for two. Book now with Chris. at 01494 783163.

The inaugural production of the
Hyde Heath Theatre Company will be a play adapted by David Wood from the
book by Philippa Pearce, “Tom’s Midnight Garden.” It will be staged in the
Village Hall on Thursday, 31st.January, Friday and Saturday, 1st.and
2nd.February at 7.45 pm. with a matinee on Saturday at 2.00 pm.
Tickets will be £10 for adults(£9.00 concessions for senior citizens and
children under 16 years) Discounts for group tickets of ten and over, and
family tickets, are available from the box office (01494 773511) only

Then, on Saturday, March 9th.
we have the welcome return to Hyde Heath of Ian Keable and his one-man
magic and comedy show. It will be in the Village Hall at 7.30 for 8.00 pm.
Tickets will be £12.00 each, to include supper, and may be purchased from
Sarah Hortop on 01494 772104, on behalf of the Village Hall committee. Bar
available.

In last week’s newsletter I did
not tell you everything in relation to Irma Dolphin’s Ninetieth Birthday

Party. True, it was held in the
Plough, but it was hosted by Irma’s son and daughter.

The government is asking for the
public’s views on its proposals for compensation to people affected by the
High Speed Railway, HS2. This is important as it is your last chance to
have your say. It is also a great opportunity to tell David Cameron that
HS2 is still a bad idea

The driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham will be Steve Epps.

First significant snowfall of the
winter happened last Monday (140113). While it looks very like a
traditional Christmas card in rural areas it tends to bring about varying
degrees of chaos on the roads, so let’s hope that it is not going to stay
for too long…

Yesterday
(Wednesday 16th.) was the occasion of Irma Dolphin’s ninetieth
birthday and Chris Herring hosted a party for her at the Plough last
Sunday (13th.) A timely present on that day was the birth of
her sixth great grandchild, Noah.

Did you see the article and photograph in last week’s Bucks Examiner ?
Irma’s book “Our Village 1929-1999” has been reprinted and is on sale in
the Village Shop at the very reasonable price of £5.00. All proceeds are
to go to the Village Hall… Hope you had a good day yesterday, Irma…

Talking of the Village Shop…it is
open in all weathers, very convenient and gives service with a smile. A
special offer this week is large Christmas puddings at half price. Call in
and see what else is on offer.

The inaugural production of the
Hyde Heath Theatre Company will be a play adapted by David Wood from the
book by Philippa Pearce, “Tom’s Midnight Garden”. It will be staged in the
Village Hall on Thursday, 31st January, Friday and Saturday, 1st.
and 2nd.February at 7.45 pm. with a matinee on Saturday at 2.00
pm. Tickets will be £10 for adults (£9.00 concessions for senior citizens
and children under 16 years). Discounts for group tickets of ten and
over, and family tickets, are available from the box office only.

The Plough will be hosting a
series of Valentine Suppers from Thursday, February 14th.to
Sunday, February 17th. They will be of three courses with a
glass of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady. The cost will be £35.00 for
two. Book now at 01494 783163.

As promised last week, more
details on the magical one-man show, featuring a welcome return to Hyde
Heath of Ian Keable. It will be on Saturday, March 9th.in the
Village Hall at 7.30 for 8.00 pm. Tickets will be £12.00 per person, to
include supper, and will be available from Sarah Hortop on 01494 772104,
on behalf of the Village Hall Committee. Bar Available.

The Sunday Times of last Sunday
(13th.) carried an article headed “Ribbon of trees to hide HS2
rail line” and it told us that the plan is to plant more than four million
evergreen and deciduous trees to help the project blend in with the
countryside. The foliage will provide visual screening, cut noise from the
line and should go some way to offsetting the carbon impacts of the
building works. While new planting is welcome it will not compensate for
the destruction of ancient woodlands and protected areas of outstanding
natural beauty, such as the Chilterns. (The Woodland Trust fears that the
new railway will damage or destroy twenty-one ancient woods.)

The driver of this Friday’s
Shopping bus to Chesham will be Mary Collins (standing in for Ron Flint).

Here we
are, well into the New Year…Twelfth Night has been and gone…If music be
the food of love, play on…anything to brighten these dreary days, when the
jetstream is flying too far to the South thereby giving us dull skies…can
we hope for better when Spring comes ??

Feeling
in the need of exercise after the excesses of Christmas and New Year ?
Contact Weights and Measures gymnasium at South Heath (01494 862102). For
group or individual tuition speak to Caroline.

Last
Friday the Church of St.John the Baptist in Little Missenden was
jam-packed with folk not wanting to miss the service of thanksgiving for
Brian Hartley…it was standing room only, in the bell tower, in the lobby
and in the body of the Church itself. So many people…a measure of the
esteem in which the man was held. It consequently took some time for the
Church to empty after the service, but we were entertained by an
oft-mentioned aspect of Brian’s life, cricket, and the playing of the
tune, ”Soul Limbo” by Booker T. Donations in memory of Brian may be made
to Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research c/o Wright Funeral Services of Great
Missenden.

Then,
yesterday (9th.) we attended a service of thanksgiving at the
Church of St.Peter and St.Paul in Great Missenden for the life of Alan
Neale, a past president of the Cricket Club and a scholar and gentleman of
the highest order. The church was full, with a few standing and, if I
remember correctly, the closing music was “I’ve got you under my skin” by
Frank Sinatra. These celebrations of a life are so much happier occasions
than, say, the funerals of my grandparents, which were very sombre
affairs. Donations in memory of Alan may be made to either the Iain Rennie
Hospice at Home or the Hospice of St.Francis c/o Wright Funeral Services.

This
evening (Thursday 10th.) sees the monthly meeting of the WI.
The guest speaker will be Neil Rees and his subject will be “Women in the
Pulpit”. The competition will be a cross in any medium.

Don’t
forget that the Village Shop is open to serve you in all weathers. I’m
rather keen to try some of their irresistible “Love Tub” puddings and
Tim’s Dairy Yoghurt, all local products.

The
Plough will be hosting a series of Valentine Suppers from Thursday
February 14th. to Sunday, February 17th. They will
be of three courses with a glass of pink bubbly and a gift for the lady.
The cost will be £35 for two. Book now at 01494 783163.

The
inaugural production of the Hyde Heath Theatre Company will be a play
adapted by David Wood from the book by Philippa Pearce, “Tom’s Midnight
Garden”. It will be staged in the Village Hall on Thursday, 31st.January,
Friday and Saturday 1st. and 2nd.February at 7.45
pm.with a matinee on Saturday at 2.00 pm. Tickets will be £10 for adults
(£9.00 concessions for senior citizens and children under 16 years).
Discounts for group tickets of ten and over, and family tickets, are
available from the box office (773511) only.

Sarah
Hortop (772104) tells me that she is planning a fund-raising magic evening
for March 9th.in which Ian Keable will make a welcome return to
Hyde Heath with his own unique show. More details next week.

The
driver of this Friday’s shopping bus to Chesham will be Mary Collins.

Well, that’s Christmas over for
another year…put the decorations away on twelfth night, then back to
normal, whatever that is. I hope that you all enjoyed the festive break
and that Santa was good to you Anyway, this is a first wish of a Happy New
Year to you all…may 2013 bring you all good fortune and happiness.

In the previous newsletter I gave
you the sad message that my former cricketing team-mate, Brian Hartley,
had passed away. The funeral service will be tomorrow (Friday 4th.)
11.00 am. at St.John’s Church, Little Missenden. It would be good if many
of the past and present members of the Cricket Club were to attend.

Further sad news, another friend,
Alan Neale, passed away on Boxing Day. When I joined the Cricket Club in
1978 Alan was president and supported the team at virtually every home
game. He always acted like the true gentleman he was, and had a friendly
word for everybody. Now, as president I would love it if as many Club
members as possible were to attend the Memorial Service for him on
Wednesday, 9th.January 11.00 am.at the Church of St.Peter and
St.Paul, Great Missenden.

Irma Dolphin would like to thank
Derek Faversham for his excellent driving on December 14th.
when he, with Mary Collins as co-pilot, took eight senior citizens from
the village for a seasonal bite at the Pomeroy in Amersham Common and
then, on board the shopping bus, for a tour of the Christmas lights in
London. From Derek’s description of the route taken not one display would
have been missed, and by the time the party returned to Hyde Heath,
everybody was extremely happy. Nice one, Derek…Incidentally, and I’m sure
that she won’t mind my mentioning it, Irma becomes a nonogenarian on 16th.
of this month, so we wish her early Many Happy Returns

Last week’s Bucks Examiner led
with “2013 will signal the end for HS2” and “Campaigners say they hope to
dispose of the high speed rail scheme” The first statement is agreeably
positive, but the second involves the word “hope”, which, when combined
with the word “government” (any government) tends to lead to distrust.

But, don’t be swayed by my
pessimism. Come to The Village Hall this Sunday (6th.)for an
HS2 update on the judicial reviews and compensation consultation at 6.30
pm., followed by informal discussion over a glass of wine. The main
speaker will be Hilary Wharf of HS2AA. Come and find out how we could be
affected.

The inaugural production of the
Hyde Heath Theatre Company will be a play adapted by David Wood from the
book by Philippa Pearce and it will be staged in the Village Hall on
Thursday, 31st.January, Friday and Saturday 1st. and
2nd.February at 7.45 pm. with a matinee at 2.00 pm. on 2nd.February.
Tickets will be £10 for adults(£9.00 concessions for senior citizens and
children under 16 yrs). Discounts for group tickets of ten and over, and
family tickets, are available from the box office (773511) only. By the
way, the play itself is called “Tom’s Midnight Garden”.

I am delighted to note that my
pleas for a fourth driver for the Friday Shopping Bus to Chesham have not
fallen on stony ground, and that a volunteer to replace Ron Flint has been
found in the not insubstantial form of Charlie Carrington. Thank you,
Charlie…I’ll look forward to receiving the new roster in due course.

Incidentally, there is a very
strong possibility that this Friday’s Shopping Bus will not run, as it is
likely that many will attend the funeral of Brian Hartley.